Forest Tots

Our weekly outdoor learning experiences are designed for youth to explore, engage, learn and play! Find a program which may interest your child! Please check the Calendar of Events for dates and times.

 

• Date: Tuesdays & Thursdays

• Time: 10:00 am - 11:30 am

• Ages: 3yrs - 5yrs

• Fee: $5.00 - ticketleap.events/events/quintamazatlan

• Program description: Drop in with your tot and participate in an Outdoor Learning Environment (OLE!) and nature-based driven curriculum where seasonal phenomena will be explored though story, sensory play, nature art and walks through the forest.

Participants will:

• Develop an understanding of seasonal changes in the Rio Grande Valley by exploring plant and wildlife.
• Learn ecological processes through age appropriate activities.
• Practice stewardship and reciprocity through acts of service and kindness around our urban sanctuary.
• Gain confidence and autonomy through socialization between children of a similar age range and the ecological community.
• Generate a lasting and caring relationship with the more-than-human world, developing leadership and interest in civic engagement.

 

 

February 5 - What's a Wetland?

Squish! Splash! Slosh! These are the sounds around a swamp, marsh or pond, also known as wetlands! But why are wetlands important? Bring your tot to discover how wetlands support ecology of the watershed.

Tots will:

  • · Begin with Welcoming Song and a Tree Trunk Story.
  • · Participate in Wetland Wildlife Exploration.
  • · Engage in Marble Play Simulation showing how water travels.
  • · Practice language and literacy by explaining how wetlands work.

 

February 10 - Life in the Pond!

Below the waters surface there are tiny creatures that do a really big job in keeping water clean and serving as a food source for insects and other living beings. Bring your tot to explore microorganisms and what makes them special!

Tots will:

  • · Begin with Welcoming Song and a Tree Trunk Story.
  • · Participate in Sourdough Pond Design provocation. 
  • · Engage in Aquatic Exploration: Microorganisms.
  • · Practice critical thinking and inquiry while attaining a new knowledge of aquatic life.

 

February 12 - Love Bugs

Bugs are sometimes thought of as creepy, crawly, pests, but they actually do lots of beneficial work to keep our ecosystem healthy and balanced! Bring your tot to explore the important role of bugs, where they like to rest, and what we can do to support them. 

Tots will:

  • · Begin with Welcoming Song and a Tree Trunk Story.
  • · Participate in Sensory Spider Provocation. 
  • · Engage in a Bug Hunt!
  • · Practice noticing details and critical thinking by observing bug life!

 

February 17 - Sweet Smelling Huisache

Early Spring feelings settle in this time of year when sweet Texas Huisache begins to bloom! Tots will explore the life of Huisache, what makes them unique and develop a relationship with the plant. 

Tots will:

  • · Begin with Welcoming Song and a Tree Trunk Story.
  • · Participate in Life Cycle of a Tree Provocation. 
  • · Engage in Botanical Printing with bright Huisache Blooms.
  • · Practice locating self in the season through olfactory exploration and self-exploration through nature art.

 

February 19 - Backyard Birds - Finding Red Cardinal

Bring your tot to watch for birds in some of our favorite spots around the sanctuary! We'll be listening, counting, identifying and keeping an eye out for a permanent RGV resident: Red Cardinal! 

Tots will:

  • · Begin with Welcoming Song and a Tree Trunk Story.
  • · Participate in Color Red Provocation.
  • · Engage in Counting Birds Trail walk and search for Red Cardinal! 
  • · Practice making observations and comparisons in naming backyard birds by sight and song.

 

February 24 - Yucca Yonder!

Have you ever met the mighty Yucca plant with their resilient sharp leaves and towering white flowers? Bring your tot to explore the power, lore and life of Yucca, also known as the Spanish Dagger.

Tots will:

  • · Begin with Welcoming Song and a Tree Trunk Story.
  • · Participate in Yucca Moth Hide and Seek Provocation. 
  • · Engage in Yucca Flower Petal Tasting. 
  • · Practice formation of values and respect towards plant life by honoring the power of Yucca.

 

February 26 - Invasive Species

Invasive is a strong word, and sometimes we all just need our space to be comfortable where we are growing. Tots will explore introduced species of the RGV, how they are growing in relation to other plants, and consider how we can support native plant growth. 

Tots will:

  • · Begin with Welcoming Song and a Tree Trunk Story.
  • · Participate in Seed Discovery Provocation.
  • · Engage in Plant Personalities Portraits. 
  • · Practice language and literacy by naming native and invasive species.

Classes & Programs

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