Autumn Learning at Barbara C. Wilson Preschool Fall Harvest Day
Students at Barbara C. Wilson (BCW) Preschool stepped out of their classroom and into an autumn surprise—a Fall Harvest Day filled with festive activities and games on Oct. 30.
“This is the best party ever,” exclaimed one student as she took in all the sights and stations.
Planned by the BCW Parents’ Association (PA), the day offered so many options some of the students didn’t know where to start, whether searching for fall pictures in the hay, pinning leaves to the branches in the Fine Motor Forest, or exploring other hands-on activities.
“We wanted to have lots of décor for them,” said Brianne Stark, the PA President. “The focus is all about the kids. So, we wanted lots of sensory bins, lots of fine motor activities, and a fun twist on all the fun things that they love.”
Diane Condy, the Director of BCW, explained that the PA works closely with the school’s curriculum coordinators to ensure every activity supports classroom learning and is accessible for every student. Classes range from six to twelve students, each with one teacher and two teacher assistants, so flexibility was key.
Each student played their own way. Some tossed leaves in the air or hugged farm animal balloons, while others sorted pumpkins, counted toy spiders, or practiced sequencing, counting, matching, throwing or noun recognition.
“We wanted each class to use their skillset for the activities they had,” Brianne said.
The most heartwarming moments came when students saw their parents. Scheduled by class, families made autumn memories together.
“It is wonderful to be able to welcome parents into our program to share in a special activity with their child and classroom team members,” Diane said. “As an educator I always find it amazing that the children can participate in a novel activity outside of their classrooms with parents present and be able to separate and then continue their day in the classroom. Such progress in such a short time.