Spring 2025 Classes - a Recap
The FOBP Education Committee provided opportunities to our young nature lovers to learn about the Brightwood Park habitat through classes and special activities. Each month we offered classes for 2-8 year olds through the Westfield Recreation Department. Ten to fifteen children attended each month.
In March we focused our attention on the sky and weather in the class “Clouds and Weather”. What kinds of clouds are above us and what kind of weather they foretell was part of the class.
“Animals in Spring” was the class in April when we learned about animals preparing for Spring after a long winter of hibernation, migration and staying in place. The children enjoyed identifying animal tracks and exploring the park looking for signs of animals in Spring.
The May class taught children to look at nature with an artistic eye. Based on Claude Monet’s philosophy of art from the natural world, “Art in the Park” assisted the students in seeing nature with their sense of sight and painting a bridge scene similar to Monet’s waterlilies. Our beautiful painting was displayed at the FOBP Plein Air event.
May also brought the “Acorn to Oak” class to families during Brightwood Park Day. The children learned about the life cycle of the oak tree and its value to the environment. We walked through the park and identified oak trees at various stages of development. Each of the 15 families went home with a tree to plant.
We are looking forward to repeating a favorite class in June, “Dirt + Water = Mud”. We will learn about dirt, who lives there, different types of dirt and why is dirt good for us to have. And we may get wet and dirty!
The education committee also worked with a Girl Scout Daisy troop of 13 girls to earn their animal badge in April. We learned about animals homes and observed geese to identify habits and behaviors to complete their animal journal.
We look forward to continuing classes in the fall and get ready for our fabulously fun Halloween event on the Saturday before Halloween.
In March we focused our attention on the sky and weather in the class “Clouds and Weather”. What kinds of clouds are above us and what kind of weather they foretell was part of the class.
“Animals in Spring” was the class in April when we learned about animals preparing for Spring after a long winter of hibernation, migration and staying in place. The children enjoyed identifying animal tracks and exploring the park looking for signs of animals in Spring.
The May class taught children to look at nature with an artistic eye. Based on Claude Monet’s philosophy of art from the natural world, “Art in the Park” assisted the students in seeing nature with their sense of sight and painting a bridge scene similar to Monet’s waterlilies. Our beautiful painting was displayed at the FOBP Plein Air event.
May also brought the “Acorn to Oak” class to families during Brightwood Park Day. The children learned about the life cycle of the oak tree and its value to the environment. We walked through the park and identified oak trees at various stages of development. Each of the 15 families went home with a tree to plant.
We are looking forward to repeating a favorite class in June, “Dirt + Water = Mud”. We will learn about dirt, who lives there, different types of dirt and why is dirt good for us to have. And we may get wet and dirty!
The education committee also worked with a Girl Scout Daisy troop of 13 girls to earn their animal badge in April. We learned about animals homes and observed geese to identify habits and behaviors to complete their animal journal.
We look forward to continuing classes in the fall and get ready for our fabulously fun Halloween event on the Saturday before Halloween.
Nature Classes for Kids
A Nature Detective at Work
|
For children ages 2 through 8 years: 10:00 to 10: 45 a.m. - ages 2 -4 (must be accompanied by a parent) 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. - ages 4 -8 registration is required |