2019: Happy Summer
During the summer of 2019, EFC teachers chose their favorite activities and lessons from summers past as they were getting to know brand new teaching materials from the Creative Curriculum. Check out some of the fun we had:
2018: EFC Minnesota Summer
In 2018, the children at EFC learned about Minnesota through hands-on adventures. They created art projects based on loons, ladyslippers, and the Cherry and Spoon; they measured their heights against the height of Paul Bunyan. They camped in dramatic play, planted and grew their summer gardens, and enjoyed all that Minnesota summer has to offer.
2017: Diggin’ the Great Outdoors
In 2017, our summer’s theme was Diggin’ the Great Outdoors. Families who were with us last summer may recall that we added gardens to the center. Children and teachers tended crops, and in doing so explored the science and art of growing, harvesting and cooking. This summer we will return to exploring nature and expand our growing experience in the dirt and in the great outdoors. We look forward to Diggin’ the Great Outdoors with you and your family.
2016: Learning to Grow, Growing to Learn
In the summer of 2016, our theme was Learning to Grow, Growing to Learn. We introduced children to the process of growing/raising food through learning about the science, people and culture behind our plates. Children experienced the wonder of tasty and healthy foods. They dug, planted and watered. They harvested, prepared and tasted. And in doing so, they got to know their food in a whole new way. The Farm to School movement has taken hold across the country, and we were thrilled for our youngest learners to join in. The concept was about food, of course, but also about so much more. What we eat depends on our environment – the sun, the rain and the soil – so food is a wonderful tool for children to learn about science and the natural world. What we eat goes hand in hand with who we are as individuals and communities. Nearly all of us can point to a recipe handed down from our grandparents and see a glimpse of our own culinary “roots.” Food and culture are intertwined, so it is a perfect vehicle to explore people and cultures in our own backyard and around the world. And of course, food is critical for our health. In learning about where food comes from and how it’s prepared, children become familiar with and learn to love foods that are both tasty and good for them. Food is a perfect window into our health, our communities and our environment, and hands-on experiences give kids a chance to play with their food and even get a little dirty – now what could be better?!
Our school gardens were a highlight of the summer. Check them out here!
2015: Minnesota for Mini-sotans
In the summer of 2015, the children at EFC learned about Minnesota through hands-on adventures. They measured their heights against the height of Paul Bunyan. They “traveled” through the state fishing, farming, and recreating city life in their classrooms. Charles Lindbergh and Laura Ingalls Wilder were some of the famous Minnesotans who came to life.
2014: The Great Outdoors
Our theme for the summer of 2014 was The Great Outdoors. The children were excited to Explore, Find and Create based on the following monthly units:
June – Land and Sky
July – Lakes and Forests
August – Country and City
Children learned about weather, space, and bugs one month and then moved on to animals, fish, and vacations the next month. They contrasted the environments of the country, or rural areas, with those of the cities. They talked about farms and sanctuaries, sports and parks, Farmer’s Markets and the State Fair.