LittleLeaf School llc.
>>Caring for the Heads, Hearts, and Hands of 2-8 year olds through the Arts, Nature, and a Warm Home Atmosphere!<<
offering children the opportunity to learn about the natural world through hands-on activities and experiments.
Children are invited to work, play and grow in a thoughtfully prepared environment that extends well beyond the classroom
to the vibrant garden, greenhouse, orchard, fields and forest.
Children Say...
"Mom
that was the perfect place to be a garden for me. I think Katie and
Michelle are beautiful people. I can't wait to come plant some seeds on
Monday. Is that the day after today?"
- Asher, age 4
Climbing Vine's Teacher, Michelle, lives on a beautiful farm in Newfield
with 3 generations of family.
Her years of experience in agriculture, child education and
art make the seasonal children's gardening program,
The KinderGarden, a community favorite.
Now she brings the outdoors, gardening and
hands-on-the-earth experiences into young children's lives
all through the year with Climbing Vine Childcare!
9:01 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Monday and Tuesday
Located in Newfield, 6 miles from Ithaca, NY surrounded by gardens, an
orchard, chickens, horses and plenty of outdoor exploratory space.
Activities
Morning sessions Rhythm
9:01 a.m. Children are welcomed into an activity or experiment out of doors:
outside at the playground, garden, orchard and field.
10:00 a.m. Circle full of seasonal songs, poems and verses.
10:30 a.m. Snack (organic and vegetarian) and Clean -up
11:00 a.m. Free Play: music, library, art, large
motor, puzzles, blocks,
dress up, imaginary play, and housekeeping areas are offered.
12:00 p.m. Pick up and goodbyes until next time
Large motor play is
encouraged out of door on the large playground,
soft grassy yard, gourd tee pee, field, sledding hill to name a few.
Development of fine motor skills is supported by
appropriate materials
including but not limited to beading, lacing, peg and bolt boards, shape sorting boxes.
Quality art and music-making materials, blocks,
and puzzles are available as desired.
We read from a large collection
of fiction & non-fiction pre-school age books.
Children play daily
in the beautiful garden teeming with flowers, vegetables, insects, bees
and butterflies.
We have a large meadow and woods for hiking too!
Teacher Michelle Menter
Michelle Menter
- I love nature and children. Growing up on a farm in Newfield, I spent
summers exploring the forest and riding horses. After obtaining a BA in
painting and women’s studies, I returned to begin an apple orchard with
family at Two Sisters Farm. We have provided CSA shares to families and
sold vegetables, eggs, flowers and fruit at the Ithaca Farmers Market.
I also directed See Spot Community Artspace on The Commons for four
years. Now that I'm a mother I'm thrilled to draw on my years of
experience in the field of childcare and agriculture to bring this
vibrant program to our community.
Upcoming Events
