New Fall Classes for Kids at New Canaan Nature Center

Submitted by Hilary at New Canaan Nature Center

Junior Green Gardeners (After-school Program)

5 Fridays beginning September 17  •  4pm – 5:30pm

Kids ages 5-7 are invited to participate in this new gardening program at the New Canaan Nature Center.  Junior Green Gardeners will help harvest summer crops like tomatoes, carrots and pumpkins and create pesto from basil from our herb garden.  They’ll work with Environmental Educator Ali Beatty to make garden crafts, plant seedlings to take home and grow through the winter and other fall gardening activities.  Kids will learn what makes soil special, why and how to compost and about the magic of pollination.  Class meets on September 17, September 24, October 8, October 22 and November 5.

Members: $110 / Non-members $130.  Call (203) 966-9577 x20 to register.

Mommy, Me & Nature

Fall classes begin September 20

This class, formerly Nurturing Nature, is for children 18 – 36 months with a parent or caregiver.  Our early childhood expert teacher-naturalists leads classes on our 40-acre nature preserve and weave age-appropriate exploration of concepts such as color, size, texture, animals, plants, weather and seasons with nature themed crafts, stories, exploration in the woods and a visit with a live animal every class.  Preschool director Beth Skudder says “It’s never too early for children to begin experiencing and benefiting from the wonders of nature and the relaxed yet purposeful atmosphere of this class gives you a chance to learn and discover side by side with your child.”  Caregivers and children should dress for the outdoor conditions and messy projects.

Enrollment is limited to 12 adult/child pairs and full year Mommy, Me & Nature students receive early enrollment status for our preschool for 2011-2012. Classes meet once or twice a week from 9:15-10:45am.  Visit www.NewCanaanNature.org for complete class schedule, times and prices.  Call (203) 966-9577 x20 to register.

Tyke Itsy Bitsy Yoga®

Six Tuesdays beginning September 21

Led by one of our early childhood teachers who is a trained facilitator for Itsy Bitsy Yoga®, this class is for children 22 months to 4 year olds and a caregiver. Designed to enrich the health, motor skills and social development of your toddler or preschooler, the class combines toddler friendly yoga poses with songs, stories and games for an enriching parent/child experience. Visit www.ItsyBitsyYoga.com for more information about this class.

Enrollment is limited to 10 adult/child pairs.  The class meets Tuesdays, September 21 – October 26 from 9:15am – 10:00am and the cost is $110.  Call (203) 966-9577 x20 to register.