Fall in Vermont means apples. Apple picking at the orchard and bringing the bounty back to the kitchen to make treats is an essential part of the autumnal months. For the second year running, this fall the preschoolers from Lund’s early childhood education program (LECP) and students from New Horizons Education program(NHEP) teamed up to pick apples at Shelburne Orchards and then turn those apples into apple sauce, apple crisp and apple muffins.
Both the field trip and the cooking class the following week provided a great opportunity for community building and solidifying connections between our young and older students. The NHEP students took the lead in helping the preschoolers select and pick apples and then, the next week, to follow directions and turn the apples into delicious baked goods and apple sauce. For students who are pregnant or parenting infants or toddler, it was a good opportunity to look to the next steps of their parenting journey. For the preschoolers it was a chance to participate in an activity with friendly but unfamiliar adults, practice social interactions and learn new skills.
Both mornings were fun and lively and reminded each group of students and teachers that we are very lucky to have our education programs located in the same building. These joint activities are indicative of the great benefits to Lund’s integrated programming. The muffins were served for afternoon snack at LECP and the older students ended their week with large bowls of apple crisp and ice cream. Happy Fall to all!
