The Nature Explore Classroom at Children's Country Day School

Monthly changes, additions and the implementation of age-appropriate materials and activities are continuing at the Children’s Country Day School Nature Explore Classroom.

A box elder trunk was added to the messy materials area for children to climb on and build with. 20+ stumps were added to various locations throughout the property to give additional seating and also rolling, climbing and jumping experiences.

New perennial native plantings were added and some were transplanted to other areas. Volunteer students from Avalon High School helped remove buckthorn to make areas more accessible and desirable for students as well as wildlife. Worn signage has been repaired or replaced and new signs have been made to identify over 50 plant species on and around the outdoor classroom.

Teachers organized a winter party in December and built a shelter of dead trees and tarps in one of the pastures. Children helped send invitations, make hot chocolate and gathered firewood for this fun sing-along and snack in the snow. Also this winter, children took part in the tapping of 10 silver maples and 5 box elder trees. They helped with the collection of the sap and firewood and helped supervise boiling and production of six quarts of maple syrup. A school wide pancake party was held in celebration!

Staff professional development continues year round through attendance of presentations and in-services. Parents and families are provided with Nature Explore Club activities on a monthly basis through the web site and newsletters in addition to a host of other educational and fun presentations and events.