
CULLMAN, Ala. – The North Alabama Agriplex’s Little Farmers Preschool Program is a hands-on educational series designed for children ages 3-5, introducing young minds to agriculture through fun, interactive experiences accessible to all ages and abilities.
“Education at that age is important, and we want to bring agriculture alive for them, even though they’re our youngest learners,” Samantha Catland, manager of youth and kitchen programming at the North Alabama Agriplex, said.
This year, the program features monthly themes centered around colors and agriculture-related topics. Each class focuses on a different color paired with a related farm concept. January’s theme was white and snow. This month’s focus was pink and pigs. Remaining classes include:
- March 5: Green, salad
- April 16: Blue, water
- May 14: Purple, flowers
- Aug. 13: Red, apples
- Sept. 3: Yellow, corn
- Oct. 1: Orange, pumpkins
- Nov. 5: Brown, soil
- Dec. 3: The Rainbow
Catland said the color-based structure allows educators to revisit favorite agricultural topics while keeping lessons visually engaging for young children.
Each class includes a variety of age-appropriate activities designed to support early learning and development. Activities typically include fine-motor skill projects, cooperative play, storytime and guided listening in a group setting. During the February session held on Thursday, Feb. 5, children created pig faces using heart-shaped pieces in recognition of Valentine’s Day and built houses inspired by “The Three Little Pigs” using building blocks.
“We always try to include activities where they’re copying images, working together and using their hands,” Catland said.
Caregivers and guardians are encouraged to attend the program with their child, allowing families to participate together while giving children opportunities to interact independently with peers.
Catland said the goal of the program is to spark early interest in agriculture, sustainability and food systems.
“We hope they get excited about agriculture, about growing things, farm animals and sustainability,” she said.
The Agriplex welcomes new families to participate and encourages attendees to invite friends, noting that recent classes have had ample space available. For more information about the Little Farmers Preschool Program and other youth offerings, visit www.agriplex.org.
The North Alabama Agriplex is located at 1714 Tally Ho St. SW, Cullman.























