Prairie Preschool is moving back to Tuesdays and Wednesdays!
Starting in May, Prairie Preschool will be offered two days a week; Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9am to 10am!  We will teach the same program both days, so come out on the day that best fits your schedule.

ooooooooooooooooooo***NOTE***
Come Visit Us on Saturdays!
The Plains Conservation Center will be open on Saturdays 9am to 5pm beginning April 3 and running through the end of December!  Come see our animals, visit the museum, explore the sod houses and the tipis, chat with historical interpreters and naturalists, or take a walk on the prairie.  We also offer a variety of programs:

• 9am - Feed the animals
• 9am - Walk with a naturalist (third Saturday of every month)
• 10am - Wagon ride
• 1pm - Special program offered once a month (check our website www.plainscenter.org for upcoming program topics and dates)
• 3pm - Wagon ride


Snake Reminderooooooooooooooooooo

       
As we explore outside this month, remember that we do have rattlesnakes.  Make sure that you and your preschooler are wearing closed-toed shoes and long pants when you come to preschool.  When we are outside, watch carefully where you step and listen for rattling.  If you see or hear a rattlesnake, stop, back away from the snake, and inform me and the rest of the group as to the snake’s whereabouts.


    Nature’s Classroom in your Neighborhood
Activities to Extend Learning



Environmental Education research has shown that an adult’s involvement and interest in nature goes a long way toward helping children develop their own environmental ethic and interest.    Help cultivate your child’s interest at home with these activities:




	Look: Pond hunt Take your preschooler to a pond or river and hunt for amphibians.  Do you see any frogs or salamanders?  Do you see any frog or salamander eggs clumped together?  Do you see any tadpoles?

	Move: Play frog tag Play tag with your preschooler, but with a twist.  Instead of running, you have to hop like a frog!  Try other animal movements, too.

	Build: A snake Make a snake with your preschooler using recycled materials or anything you can find around your house (buttons, beads, plastic eggs, foam peanuts, etc).  Cut, poke or drill a hole in the middle of each object and string them onto a string with a knot at one end.  When done, tie a knot at the other end and make a face for the snake (eyes, mouth, tongue…).

	Draw: A reptile habitat Encourage your preschooler to draw a habitat for a reptile.  Where do these animals live?  Use the drawing to record the number of reptiles you see over the next few weeks; every time you see a reptile, have your preschool draw it into the picture.  How many can you find?




Looking for more ways to get outdoors with your preschooler?

Check out the National Wildlife Federation’s website, The Green Hour at www.greenhour.org.  The website offers activities to do with children and plenty of opportunities to converse with other parents and educators about the importance of taking kids outdoors.

Comments and Feedback

What do you think about the Prairie Preschool Program?  Please email me with any comments you have.  I would love to hear about the things your child liked or disliked.  We are always looking for ways to make the program better, so any suggestions are welcome.  Email me at lolin@plainscenter.org or call 303-693-3621.

Laura Olin
Family Programs Specialist

Price per student per session

Cost: $5 per child for members and $6 per child for non-members per session

Value packages available

Non-member price:
$50 for 10 sessions
$25 for 5 sessions

Member price:
$40 for 10 sessions
$20 for 5 session

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