Oh, Hi September!
Food Forest Project:
A Message from Susan Menchinton RECE
Over this year’s growing season many of our Early Years centres have participated in our Food Forest project. Participating locations have set aside gardening space in their playgrounds in raised beds, pots, or storage containers. Educators and children have worked together to plant, tend and harvest produce from these areas, while connecting with how food develops from seed to table.
Exposure to growing their own fruits and vegetables fosters a positive relationship with nutritious eating and helps children to recognize foods in their natural state, establishing a willingness to try new foods and to make informed choices about what they eat. Food Foresting is a particular approach that involves using layers and close-planting of fruits and vegetables and other companion plants to mutually benefit from healthy growing conditions, the shading out of weeds, deterring pests and attracting beneficial insects and pollinators. Our sites are growing tomatoes, beans, lettuce, cabbages, corn, carrots, cucumbers, squash, zuchinni, as well as strawberries, currants, blueberries, blackberries and many other crops, as well as a wide variety of herbs and edible flowers.
Educators have carried out regular programming around the gardens to encourage children’s participation in the growing cycle and to encourage environmental stewardship, building a connection with the land. Being in nature and caring for plants teaches children valuable lessons in responsibility, problem-solving, and patience while encouraging the development of self esteem and a sense accomplishment. By working together and sharing their experiences and the harvest with their families and friends, children are laying the foundation for a life-long relationship with the natural world and for being in fellowship with their community.
If you’d like to know more about Food Forests, here is a handy resource for families.
August Highlights from Around Our Centres
It’s been a busy and joy-filled month across our child care centres, with so many wonderful experiences bringing learning, laughter, and community connections to life.
Animal Friends Visit
Our friends from Pawsitively Pets stopped by a few of our locations, and the children were all smiles (and gentle hands!) as they met an adorable crew of small animals. From curious critters to cuddly companions, every encounter gave our children a chance to practice kindness, patience, and oh-so-soft petting. Thank you, Pawsitively Pets, for bringing the magic of animal friends to our centres!
Special Moments at Liberty Village
At our newest centre in Liberty Village, the month was filled with special activities. Infants were treated to a music circle with parents Angeline and Leon, who filled the room with guitar, song, and smiles. Preschoolers enjoyed a sunny Water Day adventure at the park splash pad, splashing and laughing together. We also welcomed Taylor Rash from the Royal Ontario Museum, who introduced our children to fascinating ocean animals and real specimens while sparking conversations about protecting our oceans. To top it off, Mimi’s mother led an engaging yoga session, where preschoolers practiced balance, tried new poses, and discovered the joy of mindful movement. A big thank you to our families and community partners for making these moments possible!
Back-to-School Celebrations
To wrap up the summer, our centres and Before & After Care programs hosted Back-to-School parties for our older children. From fun activities to time with friends, it was the perfect way to get excited for the year ahead. We wish all of our children a wonderful first week (or week back!) at school!
