Children at St. Thomas Early Learning Center celebrated nature in the classroom and discovered the mysteries of our world by participating in playground events this spring.
The Meadow Area was opened during playground time so children could observe and “fish” in a shallow pond teaming with minnows and tadpoles.
All teachers and staff participated in a wonderful spring workshop titled “Growing Up Wild” Exploring Nature with Young Children ages 3-7. Playground Festival Days were set aside this year for special activities that highlight the seasons.
Every spring, in late March, University students come on a Saturday to trim bushes, paint equipment and work outside to freshen up the site and plant new flowers. Vegetables were planted in the classroom gardens and flowers were planted around the playground. A Bird Watching Area was added to the classroom this year and the children help keep feeders full of seed.
