It is time to explore in The Gardens! Join us for garden story time, movement or song plus a hands-on, nature-inspired activity. Specifically designed to connect young learners to their natural world, this program promotes the development of school readiness skills including early language comprehension, fine and gross motor skills, creativity and multicultural understandings. This is a parent / caregiver participation class.
Read and Seed is included in admission or free for children covered by a membership. Registration is required for Caregivers AND Children. If you are a Member, please sign in to get the Member discount.
Sessions are Monday and Tuesday 11:15 a.m. - 12 p.m.
COVID-19 Precautions:
- Adults must wear face coverings and children, as outlined by City and County guidelines, must wear face coverings when they cannot social distance
- Classes will be held outside and provide social distancing
- Classes are limited to five students and their caregivers
- Online waivers are required for each group
Register Now:
- July 13 or 14: What is in the garden? | Nature Scavenger Hunt
- July 20 or 21: What is that smell? | Lavender Pouches
- July 27 or 28: Can you capture the light? | Nature Light Catchers
- August 3 or 4: Let's float a boat! | Walnut Shell Boats
- August 10 or 11: Do lady bugs tell stories? | Wooden Spoon Lady Bugs and Live Release
- August 17 or 18: What is that snake thinking? | Snake Craft
- August 24 or 25: What color is your playdough? | Natural Playdough
- August 31 or September 1: Who is your rock friend? | Pet Rocks
Read and Seed in Your Home
In this Episode: Seed Tape
Planting seeds can be hard work! They require a lot of care and a lot of patience, as we will learn from our story this week. During this virtual Read and Seed we will read "The Carrot Seed" by Ruth Krauss and Crockett Johnson, participate in a movement and create seed tape to plant and start your own garden.
This lesson is aimed at connecting young learners to their natural world and promote school readiness skills.
In this Episode: Birds
This Read and Seed lesson will explore the similarities and differences between us, our friends and birds! We will read "Birds" by Carme Lemniscates, create our own bird and participate in a bird dance.
This lesson is aimed at connecting young learners to their natural world and promote school readiness skills.
In this Episode: Mindfulness
This Read and Seed lesson will focus on practicing mindfulness through finding quiet, movement and breathing. Mindfulness is a great practice, and we can never start too young. We will read "A Quiet Place" by Douglas Wood, create our own mindfulness wand and practice garden yoga.
This lesson is aimed at connecting young learners to their natural world and promote school readiness skills.
In this Episode: Flower Bookmarks
This Read and Seed lesson will focus on pollinators and their very important job. We will read "Flowers are Calling" by Rita Gray and Kenard Pak, create our own flower bookmarks, and move around acting like our favorite pollinators.
This lesson is aimed at connecting young learners to their natural world and promote school readiness skills.
In this Episode: Positivity Posters
During this virtual Read and Seed we will read "Maybe Something Beautiful" by Isabel Campoy and Theresa Howell. The featured activity will also help make your neighborhood a more beautiful place!
This lesson is aimed at connecting young learners to their natural world and promote school readiness skills.
In this Episode: Earth Day
Help celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day! This week's Read and Seed is for the whole family!
You will hear about Takiya and Thunderheart’s adventure to turn a vacant lot into a life garden, get a chance to create your own vegetable garden out of a forgotten item and learn about a great way to connect with each other and your community through the City Nature Challenge.
In this Episode: Buzzing Bees
Bees might seem scary, but they are so important!
During this virtual Read and Seed we will read "Are You a Bee?" by Judy Allen and Tudor Humphries, participate in a movement and create a pinecone bee.
This lesson is aimed at connecting young learners to their natural world and promote school readiness skills.
In This Episode: Cloud Paintings
Ever look up at the clouds? Sometimes they look like shapes or maybe just spilt milk.
During this virtual Read and Seed, we will read "It Looked Like Spilt Milk" by Charles G. Shaw, participate in a movement and create a cloud painting.
This lesson is aimed at connecting young learners to their natural world and promote school readiness skills.