This will likely be a short column, because we are in the midst of putting in our garden. I have a complex relationship with my garden — as, I suspect, do many. Starting around March, a feeling that has lain dormant throughout the winter begins to stir in me: panic. Suddenly, I feel the urge […]
Faith Gong: Why Keep A Garden, Chickens, Or Children? Read More »
We checked in with Michelle Black, who teaches at Wren’s Nest Forest Preschool, about her school’s experience transitioning to remote learning. MiniBury: How is remote learning going? Michelle: It has been really challenging figuring out how to connect with “Forest Preschoolers” via the computer. Our philosophy at Wren’s Nest was to get outside as fast
Making The Most Of Snail Mail: Wren’s Nest Forest Preschool Read More »
This post was contributed by Su White, director of Quarry Hill School in Middlebury. When the leaders of the Addison County Early Childhood Networks realized that the annual Provider Appreciation event would be cancelled, they sprang to action. How to recognize and thank the hundreds of early childhood teachers and providers in our region who
Thank You, Teachers Read More »
Let’s get fancy this week; we’re making paper bag hats! Materials Needed: Large paper grocery bag Glue and tape Pompoms, pipe cleaners, shapes cut from magazines or colored papers, other decorations Scissors Crayons, markers, or colored pencils/pens Hole punch (optional) Step 1: Roll the top of the bag down to your desired size (height). Pinch
Make It Together: Paper Bag Hats Read More »
This essay first appeared in the Addison Independent on April 30, 2020. I’ve never felt much like one of those beautiful, glowing pregnant people. I hear they exist, but as far as I’m concerned those folks are unicorns. It’s hard work growing a human, and if some days I’m a little dull — oh well.
Pregnant During A Pandemic Read More »
MiniBury: Tell me about yourself. Jennifer: When I was a kid, my mom would play her favorite music while she worked around the house. Whitney Houston’s “The Greatest Love of All” resonated with me. It wasn’t until years later, and lots of self discovery that I realized why: As a child with a baby brother
What It’s Like To Be A Childcare Provider Right Now: Jennifer Cyr Read More »
A dispatch from Willa Abel, mom of three. MiniBury: In one word, describe how you’re feeling today. Willa: Twisty MiniBury: What is your kids’ relationship with screens these days? Willa: We use screens more consistently than before COVID. Every day we have phone calls with the school, view a few read alouds (either from professionals
At Home: Willa Abel Read More »
Addison County early childhood educators are pooling together their resources to launch a community arts and crafts project for families stuck at home during the pandemic. Most of the projects can be completed with materials easily found at home. Still, the group is planning to provide donations of art materials for local children over the
Make It Together: A Community Crafting Project Read More »
Preschool is practically synonymous with hands-on learning: play dough, finger-paints, mud kitchens, Magna-tiles. For 3- and 4-year-olds, school is all about exploring the physical world, fine-tuning motor skills, making (and cleaning up) a mess, developing social connections. When schools closed last month in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus, we wondered, How
Turning on a Dime: Quarry Hill School Read More »
