The Nature Explore Classroom at Jack and Jill Preschool

With 118 children enrolled in the program, the Nature Explore Classroom at Jack and Jill Preschool is always filled with activity.

An Outdoor Classroom Learning Kit was purchased this year which included items such as patterning and sorting cards, tree blocks, plastic bugs and animals, clipboards, rain sticks and outdoor picture dictionaries.

Additional plants and grasses were added this year to define the Music, Language, Art and Science Areas. A new Dirt Area has been incorporated into the space which provides a wonderful way for the children to make mud pies. This was one of their favorite activities this past spring. A second shade structure was placed over the Art and part of the Music Area to provide needed shade on hot days.

During a Summer Open House, the Nature Explore Classroom was introduced to the parents and the benefits of activities done in the classroom were explained. Parent helpers were encouraged to visit the Nature Area to see the different plants that had been planted by the children or to see the green beans and strawberries that were in the raised flower/vegetable boxes. The Mother's Tea was held in the classroom allowing moms and their child a time to explore in this natural space.

Through efforts of an annual fund raiser, a new Glockenspiel was added to the Music and Movement Area. The children listen to recorded music from the different cultures in the area and also use the instruments and scarves provided in to create their own rhythms and songs.