Yesterday the children from Preschool and Nursery went on their final school trip of the year to a very special place. Situated right in the heart of the city, with a view of St. Pietro’s dome, is the only didactical farm in Rome; ‘La Fattorietta’. We weren’t really sure what to expect but were pleasantly surprised; a vast park with a big play ground, an area for laboratories, a covered area to eat and many animals to visit.
We started our morning of with snack followed by a laboratory making taralli (round breadsticks). First the children observed how the dough was made; flour, water, sugar, yeast and salt and then they kneaded and rolled their dough making them into circles. The children participated enthusiastically and took home their freshly made ‘taralli’.
Next we made our way around the farm with our guide to see all the animals; there were hens, geese, ducks, chicks, donkeys, horses, sheep, goats, turkeys, a peacock and a pig.
The children first met the donkeys (Giulia the Mum and Ernesto the son) and then Polly the enormous cow who is very popular. They also met Bella, Ettore and Gelsomino the ponies; Gelsomino is the oldest animal on the farm, and is 28 years old! His got him name from the place where he was found…on Via Gelsomino, where the farm is located. When he was yonger, he use to take the children on rides in a carraige.
Lastly, we had the pleasure of meeting Naldo the pig who is the star of the farm. He’s very sociable and affectionate and is a domesticated animal, living with the dogs and cats. When asked, he will sit (if you give him a slice of bread that is!). At the end of our guided tour of the farm we had lunch outdoors and the children enjoyed playing in the big play park before returning to school.
We had a wonderful trip to this beautiful farm!