The Chai Center Preschool and Camp
Since the start of our Nature Explore Classroom, it has been a highlight of our Preschool program. Many families choose our program because of the nature classroom concept. We are always incorporating new ideas to better utilize our Outdoor Playscape in all types of weather.
Our gardening and “farm-to-table” concept begins in September once school is in session. In the classrooms we start bringing in different types of seeds for the children to explore, sort and examine. Next, we choose what seeds we would like to plant and begin to take care of. As winter approaches, the planting starts and the children patiently wait to see what begins to grow. These different flowers, vegetables and herbs continue to grow and be taken care of in the Preschool until it is warm enough to move them into our outside garden. Then, with parent helpers the children help transplant some of what has been growing inside as well as planting new flowers, vegetables and herbs to fill our garden. Once in the garden, the children help to water the plants as they grow and examine and discuss the changes they see happening. After some time, we start to have vegetables and herbs that we can harvest, bring into the classrooms, eat, cook with and share with all of our Preschool families.
As soon as snow starts to fall, the children are planning different explorations outside. In the mornings, they come in with all of their snow gear packed, eager to get outside. Last year, after reading a book about penguins painting in the snow, our 3 and 4 year-old classes brought out paint with them and started painting the snow all different colors just like the penguins in the story did. Our mud-kitchen has now turned into a “snow-kitchen” where the children are busily cooking and inventing new “meals.” When there is enough snow, everyone is excited to get together and build a snowman. Our last snowman a few years ago was complete with pine cone eyes and nose, pine needles for hair, pine branches for a scarf and stalks from the garden for arms. We can’t wait to see the many creations to come in our Nature Explore Classroom this year!
