The Children's Garden at Union Preschool in St. Louis, MO is celebrating their 4th year as a certified Nature Explore Classroom.

"Our Nature Explore Classroom has added so much to our program for the families, children and staff. The children's outdoor experiences have had a significant effect on their social, physical, emotional and cognitive growth."
- Michele Villa, Director of Union Preschool

A new area was added this year with a garden bed. Michele noted, "The children planted lettuce, carrots and radishes. The wonder reflected in the children's faces when they saw the seeds sprouting in the garden was precious to observe. They held those tiny seeds in their hands and covered them with dirt. To them the whole process was a miracle. They were so excited when they finally were able to harvest some of the lettuce. They washed and chilled it and sat down for their feast. For many, it was their first taste of home grown lettuce. Later, the surprise they evidenced when they pulled the radishes and carrots was priceless...that was food coming out of the ground!"

Although the children planted pumpkin and squash seeds several times, there was not much success with these crops. The extreme heat of the past summer really affected their growth. It was a good lesson on the effect of weather.

Bridge and stone paths were added to the garden space, spanning through half of the garden and invites long lines of children to march, jump, waltz and run along the path and over the bridge. It is very popular with groups of children all going along and following the leader. Then there are times when just one little child, seeking some time alone, is quietly following the path.

This year, the school was lucky enough to receive a truck load of logs and tree cookies. Some of the longer logs were arranged in the mulch area to create a large seating area for the children. The classes have used it for a reading or singing circle. Small groups are seen just meeting there. The smaller logs are usually drug to the center of the space as a "campfire". The children use team work and cooperation to transport the logs. They take great pride in their "hard work". The tree cookies invite stacking and patterning. We also added some cylinders to the building area. The wide variety of materials has really led them to some very creative projects.

In the hopes of inspiring the 185 families at Union Preschool to enjoy outdoor activities together and to become good observers of nature and caretakers of the earth, the following activities are offered:

-Fall Family Picnic
-Garden Club summer camp
-Nature Club materials with bridging activities for families to enjoy together
-Hosting Nature Explore Classroom and Children's Garden site visits by preschool directors to assist them in preparing their own sites
-Offering workshops for parents with child and family activities
-Volunteer time to maintain classroom and gardens

Activities sent home to parents from the following web sites:

- World Forum Foundation/Tool Kit for Families
-Savvy Parent
-Gardening with Kids