HSA Updates!

Potato Beds AKA Repurposed Tractor Tires

Little Sprouts gardeners

The Little Sprouts 4/5′s planted romaine lettuce and red cabbage  transplants today.  They made “measuring sticks” so they would know how to space their plants.  They were fascinated by the “white hairs” growing in the dirt aka roots…and that plants drink their water through the roots.  I have to admit, though, the biggest hit of the day was each having their own pair of gloves!  They all wanted to take them home!  We’ll let you know how things grow!!

 

Fun Fence installed across Little Sprouts Shade Garden

The Fun Fence was completed yesterday.  It’s funky and the children love it!  Fairly simple and inexpensive to make….used rebar,paint and wood balls, plus a vice and some muscle power to make the bends in the rebar.  The soil amendments were added in the fall.  The children will be checking this afternoon to see if the earthworms have come to live in our garden.  We start planting tomorrow!  Both our Shade Garden and Vegetable Garden are now programs of The Edible Schoolyard Project.  Learn more about this national project at http://esy.stauffer.com/our-story.

Measurng, Mixing, Shaping…..What Fun!

Energy Balls are a favorite healthful snack for the 4′s!  With good reason….the class goes to Mi Amigos Cafe to make them in the morning, (practicing a number of math skills, discussions on the importance of healthy foods in our body,  plus teamwork), then they let them chill in the refrigerator until afternoon snack time, and then EAT THEM.  This is a very healthy, no bake snack that you can also make at home with your preschooler!  We found the recipe on Pinterest at Smashed Peas and Carrots.

 

ENERGY BALLS

1 cup oats (oatmeal)

1 cup coconut (unsweetened)

1/2 cup chocolate chips

1/2 cup peanut butter (or sunflower seed butter)

1/3 cup organic ground flaxseed

1/3 cup organic honey

1 tsp. vanilla extract

 

Combine all ingredients into bowl and mix together until well blended.  Shape into balls and then refrigerate a few hours.  Voila…a tasty, healthy snack!  You can substitute craisins or other dried fruit for the chocolate chips.  Agave nectar doesn’t substitute well for the honey because it’s too thin in consistency.