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Giving Tree Early Learning underwent a metamorphosis over the summer months. New flooring, furniture and classroom updates occurred in both indoor and outdoor spaces to reflect a stronger Reggio-inspired aesthetic. Accessibility and functionality were two key components as we renovated the Giving Tree classrooms. In August, we welcomed families back to the program with a wonderful back to school night that allowed families the opportunity to interact in the new classrooms environments and to meet their teachers! In addition to our newly renovated spaces, we also added in new classrooms and staff and changed the name of our classrooms to represent the various species of trees found in Israel. We look forward to sharing another school year with you at Giving Tree Early Learning!
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On July 31st, Giving Tree and HHAI families, friends and staff came together for a day of service to help prepare the outdoor spaces for the first day of school. Weeding, tree trimming and construction were just a few of the tasks completed by volunteers of all ages. Thank you to everyone for your hard work! 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.
 Before Photos  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.
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!
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.
For the last several years, the Early Childhood has participated in Outdoor Classroom Day. This global initiative helps to get kids outside to learn, play and grow. This year the Early Childhood celebrated with a wide range of outdoor activities. Gardening, bubbles, shaving cream, chalk and paint were just a few of the play opportunities explored! https://outdoorclassroomday.com/ The EC children worked collaboratively on a giant canvas to freely create and to express themselves through various paint techniques. From spray bottles to finger paints, the children worked hard to create their masterpiece! This beauty resides as a mural in our green space and will be revisited throughout the remainder of the school year. The playground and outdoor classroom were also hot spots for activity! Shaving cream, paint, bubbles and chalk artwork were enjoyed by all as we spent the day engaged in play! Check the Giving Tree Facebook page to see more photos of our fun! https://www.facebook.com/givingtreehhai |
AuthorMrs. Alethia Minlaff, Director: you can reach her by emailing aminzlaff@hhai.org Archives
August 2023
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Beneficiary of the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis |
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