On March 26, The Society of the Four Arts hosted a special Garden Day event aimed at teaching young children about plants and the animals that live around them through stories and songs. The event was organized in collaboration with the Garden Club of Palm Beach and attracted 146 children aged four and under, along with 137 adults. During the program, Garden Club members such as Pam Patsley, Sue Strickland, and Vickie Denton read nature-themed books to the children. Among the stories shared were “Growing Vegetable Soup” by Lois Ehlert, “Little White Rabbit” by Kevin Henkes, and “When Spring Comes,” also by Henkes.
The event combined education with entertainment by incorporating songs that helped children engage actively with the material. One highlight was a bunny hopping song where kids practiced counting from one to ten while hopping like rabbits. This interactive approach encouraged children to connect with nature playfully while learning about kindness and care for plants and animals commonly found in gardens.
Children’s Librarian Samantha Merigold emphasized the importance of such programs for early childhood education. She noted that playing in gardens offers a fun way for kids to learn about living things and develop an appreciation for the environment. The involvement of Garden Club members added a personal touch, making the experience more meaningful for families attending.
After story time and singing, each family received a planting kit containing a planter, sunflower seeds, and a small shovel. At the planting station, preschoolers with their caregivers filled their planters with soil, planted seeds, and watered them. This hands-on activity reinforced the lessons from the stories and songs by guiding children step-by-step through nurturing plants.
Merigold described this planting activity as a perfect conclusion to the event, highlighting how it allowed preschoolers to apply what they learned practically. By taking home their planted sunflower seeds, children were given an ongoing opportunity to watch their plants grow and continue learning about nature beyond the event.
Overall, Garden Day at The Society of the Four Arts successfully combined storytelling, music, and interactive gardening activities to educate young children about animals and plants in an engaging way. Events like this play a vital role in fostering early environmental awareness while providing fun educational experiences for families.
