In an era where education is evolving at an unprecedented pace, we at the Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET) are at the forefront of this. Our latest endeavour, the launch of new Early Years Resource Boxes, promises to offer materials to inspire interest and nurture young minds helping to foster a deep connection with nature and agriculture from a very early age.
RHET has always been dedicated to promoting an understanding of Scotland's food production industry and its importance sustainable living. The Early Years Resource Boxes have been created in collaboration with early years educators to create a comprehensive toolkit for introducing children aged 2 to 7 to the wonders of farming, food production and the countryside life. These resource boxes are full of engaging materials. Inside, you will find colourful picture books, interactive games, and hands-on activities that cater to different learning styles. They cover a wide range of topics, from farming practices and animal husbandry to the seasons and the food we eat.
The boxes have been funded to the tune of £10,000, by The Royal Highland Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) through their rewards scheme and there are also contributions from John Deere, Allflex, Hamilton Brothers and Agricar. We could not produce such high quality resources without the support of partners like these so we really want to thank them all for their huge and impactful contribution to these boxes.
The purpose of these resource boxes is to spark curiosity in young minds. The interactive elements encourage children to ask questions and explore the world around them. Through activities like dress up costumes, jigsaws, and matching games, they support pupils to develop a genuine interest in the natural world, especially in an age where screen time often dominates children's activities, these boxes offer a refreshing alternative. They facilitate quality bonding time between children, creating memories that will last a lifetime and hopefully offers a door to practical learning.
These new boxes are now available across the regions of Scotland and can be requested by filling in a quick form here: Request an Early or First Level Resource Box | Royal Highland Education Trust (rhet.org.uk). The boxes are provided completely free of charge to borrow for a couple of weeks to link in with currently learning.
The launch of RHET's new Early Years Resource Boxes is a cause for celebration, supporting teachers to create and nurture a lifelong interest in food, farming and the countryside.