All week, the OVS elementary students look forward to riding the beloved pony, Thomas the Muffin Man, during their barnyard visit.
In previous years, the Ojai Valley School Lower Campus has had an interactive barnyard. However, the barnyard unfortunately shut down after an interaction between a student and one of the unfriendly goats, Coco and Chanel. Recently the Lower Campus has introduced two new goats, Audrey and Liam, along with the variety of other animals in the barnyard.
The barnyard at the Lower Campus is a fun way to get students to learn about various topics. The barnyard has been an important part of OVS history and students and teachers are delighted to welcome it back.
First-grade student Finley Cooper said his favorite part of his weekly barnyard visit is getting to ride the horses.
“We learn to steer and halt the horses,” Finely said.”Today I learned how to steer the horses without being led.”
The grades first to third partake in the barn once a week, fourth and fifth graders go three times a week, and a handful of the middle schoolers ride for their choice of sports.
Smaller animals in the barnyard such as the goats and bunnies are provided for easier accessibility to the younger students in grades PK-third.
Not only is the barnyard program fun, but it is also educational, including lessons on animal care, anatomy, and cultural history.
First-grade student Elodie Oros enjoys learning about animals through interactive worksheets.
“We draw horses, label the parts of the horses, and we get to color in the horses,” she said.
One of the barnyard instructors, Lillian Armstrong, works with different classes and ages on a daily.
“Working with the younger students is really great, they are really good,” Ms. Armstrong said. “The things they say are hilarious.”
Both students and staff are thrilled that the barnyard is back at the Lower Campus.
