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
Participants will:
• Develop an understanding of seasonal changes in the Rio Grande Valley by exploring plant and wildlife.
May 1st - Return of Wildflower Friends
It is Spring and wildflowers are in full bloom everywhere! Bring your tot to learn t how they grow and who benefits from their abundance!
- • Begin with Tree Trunk Story: “Planting a Rainbow” By: Lois Elhert & “In the Butterfly Garden” By: Phillipe Ug
- • Participate in up-close microscopic observation of flowers, their seeds and fruits.
- • Develop a conceptual understanding of why wildflowers bloom in spring, and the wildlife that thrive due to their growth.
- • Engage in Sensory Development through Flower Stamping!
May 6th - Songbirds and Migration
Did you know that May is the peak time for spring songbird migration? Who are the species that fill our forest with their music? How do we find them? Bring your tot to discover the uniqueness of songbirds and all that these migratory creatures add to our environment.
- • Begin with a Tree Trunk Story: “Song of the Birds: Touch and Feel Board Book” By: Isabel Otter & “Baby’s First Book of Colors: Birds” By: Phyllis Tildes
- • Participate in a musical interactive storytime highlighting native birds and their colors.
- • Develop a conceptual understanding of the species of migratory songbird species that can be seen within our Forest.
- • Practice cognitive and sensory development through listening for native songbirds located within the trees.
May 8th - Songs of the Forest
Can you hear the songs of the birds, bees, and the trees? What does the forest sound like during springtime? Bring your tot to explore the sounds of the forest, to listen to nature’s songs, and to make music of their own.
- • Begin with a Tree Trunk Story: “Tree: A Peek-Through Board Book” By: Britta Beckentrup & “Who’s In the Forest” By: Phyllis Gershator
- • Practice phonemic awareness by observing environmental sounds & the songs of wildlife.
- • Develop a conceptual understanding of all the factors that contribute to the sounds of the forest within a surrounding urban environment.
- • Engage in sustainably creating your own instrument made from natural & recycled materials.
May 13th - Bees
Who are the native bees of our forest? and what would the environment be without them? Bring your tot to explore how we can protect and reciprocate the work of important ecosystem contributors.
- • Begin with a Tree Trunk Story: “Bee: A Peek-Through Picture Book” By: Britta Teckentrup & “If Bees Disappeared” By: Lily William
- • Participate in a trail walk that highlights the different native bees found within our forest and where to find them.
- • Develop a conceptual understanding of how native bees are important pollinators and a crucial part of our ecosystem.
- • Engage in Sensory Development through Hive Stamp painting!
May 15th - Celebrating the Carpenter Bee
Bring your tot to celebrate and learn all about the beautiful and gentle native pollinator known as the Carpenter Bee.
- • Begin with a Tree Trunk Story: “Bee Dance” By: Rick Chrustowski & “Bugs in Your Backyard” By: Rozanne Lanczak Williams
- • Participate in a nature trail walk and discover where to find Carpenter Bees and explore their habitat.
- • Develop a conceptual understanding of what makes Carpenter Bees who they are, from their physical traits to their personality.
- • Engage in Carpenter Bee sensory art that highlights their anatomy.
Show Your Support
Support Quinta Mazatlán by becoming a member, giving your time as a volunteer or a donation. Your gift helps us care for the conservation of plants, education for children & adults, programs for the community & the mission & goals of Quinta Mazatlán.