A Taste of The Nest Launches
Our new program A Taste of the Nest is officially in full swing! This 7-week program is aimed towards families wanting to learn more about The Nest and nature-based education. Each week, a new theme is explored, giving young children and their families an idea of what a day in the life at The Nest looks like. Each of these experiences is designed to meet the Pre-Kindergarten Texas Essential Knowledge Standards (TEKS) in a hands-on way, just as we do in each of the cottages. Our focus at The Nest is developing Strong Bodies, Inquisitive Minds, and Wild Hearts.
This week, children aged 18 months to 3 years old and their caregivers were Exploring Trees!
We started by greeting the day with a traditional Waldorf song, “Good Morning, Dear Earth”. Then, we read the story, “Thank You, Tree" By Fiona Lee where we learned about different types of trees and their purpose.
For our hike, we ventured over to the Swing Trees - a group of trees amid our 60 acres of land on The Herff Farm where trees grow sideways and vines run wild. We engaged in math experiences by exploring different textures, comparing sizes, and even identifying colors of the trees that grow here!
When we were ready for more exploration, we strengthened fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination by painting sticks, coloring trees with chalk, and building with tree blocks.
Our sensory bin this week allowed students to explore different parts of a tree. It was filled with dirt, sticks, leaves, and tree cookies made from native Texas trees.
Stay tuned for next week, when we Find Flowers!