Avon Children’s Center
Summer Program Activities
Nature Trail Wooden displays placed along the schools nature trail are used to introduce children to
natural history. The nature trail features an observation platform abutting a wooded area on
the school's property. Children use collection boxes and capture nets to gather insects for
classroom observations.
Gardening The school garden in the natural area of the playground is
maintained by the children and the teachers. Children
experience the entire growing cycle from planting to
harvest with vegetables, herbs and flowers. Children are
introduced to recycling using the compost pile.
Bird Sanctuary Children have opportunity to observe the wildlife that use the bird sanctuary area abutting
the playgrounds nature area. This includes squirrels, woodpeckers, chipmunks and rabbits
among others. Children help maintain the multi-level bird feeder and bird bath.
Butterfly House Children participate in raising live caterpillars. Metamorphosis takes place in the classroom
before the butterflies are released by the children in the school's nature area.
Woodworking A selection of carpentry tools is made available to the children for teacher supervised
woodworking activities. Planned projects have included fabrication of wheel toys, bird
houses and wood scrap sculptures.
Group Games Cooperation, physical exercise and following rules are
some of the learning experiences children encounter
during organized outdoor group games. Teachers
employ the use of parachutes, balls toss games and
activities to foster gross motor activities.
Water Play Children enjoy the use of sprinklers, balls, hoops and
buckets for safe water play during the summer season.
The gazebo provides a staging area in the school’s open space for group and field games as
well as water fun. The sensory table is used outside with various toys, water, sand and other
materials.
Field Trips Planned field trips include visits to a zoo, farm, museum or other place of interest for
children and parents. A motor coach is utilized to provide safety and comfort. Field trips
include walks along the school’s nature trail and within the residential neighborhood.
Special Guest The school plans for special visitors such as
musicians, clowns, magicians and naturalist.
Sand Box Children learn physical material properties through
play experience. The introduction of water in the
sand box heightens the experience by allowing
children to mold and create structures.
Avon Children’s Center
152 Highland Street
Avon, MA 02322
508 580 2572
Avon Children’s Center
508 580 2572
Summer Program
The Summer Program is designed to take advantage of the seasonally warmer temperatures here in New England. The curriculum focuses on exploration and discovery, gross motor and specific outdoor activities like gardening and water play.
Parents can enroll their child for the Summer Program which generally runs from June to September.
The main playground or ‘Outdoor Classroom’ was designed to resemble the school’s classrooms which incorporate various areas for development or learning centers. Children choose materials that are placed in particular locations throughout the day.
Playground Layout/Design
The Open Space
The Nature Trail
The Open Space at the school is designed in part to provide an area for field games and other activities requiring a spacious open terrain.
The Open Space is located in front of the school. This area features both shaded and sunny locations and a gazebo for staging games, readings, group gatherings and shows.
Children can enjoy that feeling of being in an unconfined area during water play in the summer, enjoying fall foliage or having fun in the winter snow.
The Nature Trail is a unique feature of the program. Walks on the Nature Trail provide children with the experience of being on a field trip.
Teachers periodically utilize the trail in planning activities and/or around weekly themes.