Themes
Even though the program is play-based, we focus our games, art projects, songs, and activities loosely around coherent themes. In the tradition of the Reggio Emilia philosophy, the overall themes are often inspired by the children themselves and derived from their areas of interest. At other times, they are chosen by our staff to reflect seasons, holidays, and other timely subjects.
Culture and Holidays
The Garden House has no specific religious affiliation; we are an inclusive program that celebrates diversity. We aim to make holidays and celebrations personal, rather than commercial. Children are invited to share traditions from their own homes and backgrounds; parents, too, are invited to help bring these traditions to life for the whole community. We live in such a culturally rich and diverse city, and we embrace all cultures and holidays -- not just French or American.
Food
Snacks are not the typical graham-crackers and apple-juice. We emphasize healthy, “rainbow” food choices, using organic, whole grain, hormone-free, and antibiotic-free foods whenever possible. Children will often eat things served by somebody else that they would refuse from their own parents. Giving the children some ownership in the growing, picking, preparing, and cooking stages also motivates them to eat more healthy foods. They occasionally help out with age-appropriate “cooking” as part of their creative projects – stamping out biscuits, shaping dough into breadsticks/rolls, decorating plates with fruit & veggie slices, stirring up dipping sauces, mixing up smoothies, etc. Food is served communally, and often with great fanfare, to emphasize the social aspects of breaking bread with friends.
Community Building
Building a community of families – adults and children – is very important to us. We host and organize garden parties, barbecues, teas, and various functions for the families of our students throughout the year.