Giving Tree Early Learning
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The Outdoor Classroom is Teaming with Life

8/2/2021

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Each spring our students plant vegetables and herbs in the Outdoor Classroom before saying goodbye for the summer months. Throughout the summer, the plants have a chance to grow uninterrupted allowing nature to do what it does best! This means that the Outdoor Classroom tends to become a tad bit overgrown- but more importantly, it gives the plants and ecosystem a chance to thrive. 

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Baby Ladybugs
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Garden Spider
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Before Photos
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Shortly before school begins, the Giving Tree teachers return to tame the space and to make it ready for students. We pull weeds, refresh the 10x10 sand box and begin to harvest some of the vegetables from our plants. 
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This year we have a wide variety of leafy greens, cucumbers, various tomato species, herbs, pumpkins, green beans, sunflowers, carrots and flowers growing. We are excited for the children to see the "fruits of their labor" come to life! 
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If possible, we will plan to hold a "farmer's market" in which parents can purchase vegetables from our students. All proceeds go back into the Outdoor Classroom funds so that we may continue to offer farm to table experiences for our students. 
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What have we been up to?

8/1/2021

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The summer months are a busy time for everyone! From fun in the sun to preparing classroom spaces, our teachers have been hard at work. Take a look at some of their favorite moments from their summer-
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Mrs. Sarah-
​Our family usually enjoys a slow, restful summer. After a long year with lots of rest, however, we have been busier than usual! We have been visiting loved ones, swimming, gardening, playing softball, working and playing at summer camps, trying new foods,
and hiking. During this last week of summer before our kids start school, we are trying axe throwing at a friend’s house, visiting the state fair, going to an outdoor play, and building cardboard and duct tape boats to race in a regatta with our Framily (friend family). We have loved soaking up the summer and all of its fun, but are looking forward to fall!

Mrs. Rachael-
It’s so hard to believe summer is winding down. It has gone by so fast! I suppose time really does fly when you are having fun! Our family has spent most of the summer maintaining our balance of relaxed, unscheduled playtime at and around home while also having some fun summer adventures. We went on lots of bike rides, had family game nights every Friday, pool time with our circle of friends, backyard play time with our chickens, and weekly movie nights with plenty of popcorn. We also celebrated birthdays and the 4th of July with family at my sister-in-law’s lake house and with fireworks downtown. We went on day trips to Southern Indiana to visit some of our favorite hiking spots, had backyard camp outs, and visited Lake Michigan for a week of swimming, sunshine and rock hounding. It’s been a wonderful summer season but I am so looking forward to beginning the school year with the wonderful Giving Tree Early Learning community! See you soon! 
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Mrs. Georiga- 
​My summer was filled with joyous, fun filled adventures. I was fortunate to be able to travel to Greece and spend a couple of weeks with my parents, sisters, and family. We enjoyed lots of good food, amazing conversations filled with laughter, and walks to the beach. I also enjoyed time in Michigan City with my youngest daughter and husband. ​

Mrs. Mahern-
 had a wonderful summer. My daughter and I traveled to Seattle, Portland, and Anchorage. We hiked, went to museums,  visited friends, ate delicious food, and even saw a moose while on a bike ride. Back in Indy, my summer was spent at the pool and entertaining friends and family in my back yard. The biggest event of my summer was sending my daughter, Madeline, off to her first year of college at Purdue. 
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Mrs. Ashley-
Our summer was full of fun in the sun. We took a trip to visit the Indiana Dunes with my family and spent lots of time outdoors. The boys favorite part of the summer was spending time at camp or romping around the neighborhood!
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    Author

    Mrs. Alethia Minlaff, Director: you can reach her by emailing aminzlaff@hhai.org

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  • Welcome
  • School Info
    • Tuition and Admissions
    • Financial Aid
    • Tour Information
    • School Calendar
    • Back to School Information
    • Parent Handbook
    • School Supply List/Wish List
    • Food Policy and Meal Ideas
    • Resources
  • Classrooms
    • Classrooms
    • Creative Play Spaces
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Meet the Staff
    • Join our Team
    • Testimonials
    • FAQS
  • Blog
  • Contact