We celebrate the changes of the seasons with hands on learning through energetic exploration of our outdoor environment to help connect children with nature.

We have been enjoying the warmer spring weather these last few weeks, but were apprehensive to hear that the temperatures were going to fall, and stay cooler for the next few days. A balmy 17 degrees by 8:00, it would slowly drop to 8 with gusty winds and rain by the afternoon. It was decided that morning that all the children would start the day outside.

Everyday there can be something new to explore in the same outdoor play space. It had rained the night before, so it changed the texture of our sand and mud table. Some of the comments from the children exploring the sand and mud were,
“Ooooo! Feel this – it’s so cold!”
“It’s soooo gooey!”

A grass was sticking out of the sand – “Something is growing in here!” It was soon discovered that it had not taken root. So the children were shown where the hostas were starting to shoot out of the ground. Although they looked sharp as the leaves had not unfolded yet, the children gently touched the new leaves and found them quite soft. They were cautioned to step carefully around the new growth found in the garden.

Four pails full of sand and water were lined up as children stirred and manipulated the textures. They explained that the pails were full of Chicken Pox Soup and were very proud of their delicious creation. (No one actually tasted it).
Instead, children were offered snack outside at the picnic table – it’s always fun to eat outdoors!