Educational Excellence Since 1912
Hamden Hall Country Day School
Educating students in PreSchool through Grade 12

Learning Garden and Mud Kitchen Area Revamped

There are myriad benefits to gardening. That’s why faculty members from the Early Childhood Program worked together this summer to revamp the Lower School Learning Garden and Ernie Russ Lower School Mud Kitchen.
 
During summer break, a small group transformed the outdoor area behind the Alpert and Butler buildings alongside Hall Street. The group included Early Childhood Director Catelin Fee 2004, PreSchool/PreKindergarten co-lead teacher Kristen Given, Director of Lower School Lorri Carroll, and administrative assistant Josalee Thrift. Even their husbands joined in for the fun!
 
According to Mrs. Fee, the area was in need of care, and a makeover was the perfect solution. To start the renovation process, half of the garden area was cleared out to be a designated digging and mud play area for the younger students.
 
“The mud kitchen and learning garden area provides another space for the children to partake in experiential learning outdoors. Play and learning are linked in these spaces and the children get to do a myriad of activities that work on concepts like measuring, pouring, counting, taking care of plants, sensory and "messy" experiences, fine and gross motor skills, sharing, role playing, and more,” said Mrs. Fee. 
 
Both Mrs. Carroll and Ms. Thrift brought their own plants to add to the garden to make it more bountiful and colorful. Additionally, Christopher Fee brought several stumps to use as seating, and George Given brought tires to make mock sandpits. Jonathan Carroll cut down the stumps, added gravel, and spread more dirt to make the area more spacious.
 
The team collected various kinds of natural materials to use as mud kitchen accessories including rocks, pinecones, shells, and sticks. Early Childhood program students will use these during the school year to add to their handmade concoctions and projects.
 
“We are always looking for more natural materials for our collection and would appreciate any donations,” maintained Mrs. Fee.
 
Back

Hamden Hall Country Day School

About Us

Hamden Hall Country Day School is a nurturing and inclusive community with a dynamic learning environment that promotes academic excellence by understanding each child and fostering their individual growth.