Garden beds and mud kitchens promote outdoor play

Eight garden beds have been added to the grounds of New Hope Learning Center (NHLC), and this spring early learning classrooms had the opportunity to plant vegetables and flowers. Play gardens and shovels are available for students enrolled in early learning programs to dig in the dirt, plant seeds or just get their hands dirty.

“We are so excited to expand outdoor learning opportunities for our students,” said Nancy Misfeldt, Early Childhood Coordinator. “We hope these additions provide increased feelings of well-being, sustained concentration, and emotional, behavioral, and intellectual development.”

Mud kitchens have been another exciting addition to the NHLC. Made of wood and steel, with steel pans for sinks, students can make “recipes,” cook for others and play in the mud through imaginative play. Leftover sod from the new garden beds was put to use in the mud kitchens. 

Rdale has provided excellence in early learning programming for decades and offers a variety of class options.

Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) offers daytime and evening classes for families who are expecting, and those with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.

From Baby Massage and Big Brother/Big Sister classes to The Joy of Grandparenting, there is something for everyone. 

Check out ECFE Programming in our catalog and register through the Eleyo site.