Pamela Cotant for the State Gazette
The curved fruit trees at the Olbrich Botanical Garden create a cozy spot where children can sit and read a book, then enjoy a snack in one of the branches.
Children and their guardians participate in a small shooting course in the children's park between the ice hockey stadium and the Olbrich parking lot. Open classrooms offer participants the opportunity to listen to stories, water plants, dig soil, participate in scavenger hunts, and participate in theme-focused learning activities.
Molly Scheumann, Fitchburg brought her 2 year old son Charlie. He says his regular weekly picnic fits in his backyard.
"He loved it and it was perfect," Scheumann said. "I love it when the kids roll around on the ground. I think it should.
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Gardening classes offered at the Children's Kitchen from June through September are part of Olbrich's early childhood program called Little Sprouts. Our nature- and literature-based early childhood programs are designed to meet the diverse learning and developmental needs of children ages 2-5. Engaging in practices that support the Wisconsin Model of Early Learning Standards.
Little Sprout's garden classes focus on gardening themes, giving children the opportunity to see where food comes from, try fresh fruits and vegetables from the garden, and participate in outdoor activities with others. Early arrivals can get to the park earlier.
A few weeks ago the topic of a gardening class was "Bugs". It all started with Sarah Ellis, Youth and Family Program Manager, reading The Beetle is Shy, written by Aston by Diana Hutt and illustrated by Sylvia Long. Later, children can participate in various insect-based activities or gardening activities in general, such as digging the soil. Other books were also placed on the table.
Andy Eppinger and Stephanie Sierra of Madison brought their children Ren, a kindergartner, and 2-year-old Coral to the class.
"We love this place," Eppinger said. "We love the garden."
Sierra says she likes open activities and things are organized so that caregivers can ask the children questions.
"The classes are really kid-oriented," says Sierra.
Eppinger isn't the only parent whose lessons stick with their children, who then talk about what they're learning.
Willa Novak from Monona Nursery came with her mother Katie and her two sisters: Luna, 3, and Isla, 6 weeks.
"I like to do everything," says Willa, especially crafts.
Olbrich volunteer Karen Reese says Ravan Gopakumar, who lives in Monona in 4K, spends his time watering plants in an elephant-shaped water tank.
Many grandparents bring their grandchildren, including Susan Moore of McFarland, who attends the preschool with her granddaughter, Jacob Schuster. Grandparents Todd and Marybeth Friske of Fitchburg said they brought Rowan Parker's first kindergarten teacher, but often bring 2-year-old Ellis Parker.
McFarland resident Sue Wessenberg takes her granddaughter, 3-year-old Ezra Domershausen, to play once a week.
"He likes nature. He likes bugs. He likes to study," he said.
Ezra, who wore a t-shirt that read "Bug Expert" and featured a variety of bugs, including bugs, said bugs and fireflies were his favorites.
The rest of the year, from October to May, the early childhood course is called Little Sprouts Story and Stroll and takes place in the classrooms of the Frautschi Family Learning Center. The main garden around the large paddock is used for deer hunting in sunny weather, in the colder months hunters move to the conservatory. Little Sprout Gardening, Little Sprout Story, and Stroll Story Time both offer age-appropriate activities and hunts.
"The goal of the classroom is to provide opportunities for children and their caregivers to spend time with nature-centered topics, including books, sensory activities, play, art and garden supplies," says Ellis. "We hope to connect with nature and inspire a love of learning about the environment."
Every Monday, the Wisconsin State Journal features a story about learning in Wisconsin. Here is a top school story from last year.
"I love it when the kids roll around on the ground. I think it should.
Molly Scheumann, Fitchburg, mother of Charlie, 2
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