Caterpillar Clubhouse Nature Preschool

There are moments in life that truly touch your heart, and this was one of them.

Alphabet Soup ABA Pediatric Behavioral Services came out for a last-minute field trip to Anna’s Acres where I am also the Farm Activities Director, and what a special day it turned out to be. Emma and I brought over Roo and Lou, (goats), introduced the kids to the highland cows and mini ponies, and took a nature walk down a trail.

One of my favorite parts of the day was watching the employees have fun too. These incredible people pour so much of themselves into caring for and supporting the kids every day. It takes a special kind of heart, patience, and love to do what they do. Seeing them laugh, smile, and enjoy a horse ride was just as meaningful as anything else we experienced.

Thank you, Alphabet Soup, for trusting us with your students and for sharing your amazing employees with us. Days like today remind me why Anna’s Acres exists to create moments of connection, joy, courage, and wonder that stay with us long after the day is over. ❤️
If your school or center is interested in booking a field trip contact me!!!

We had the joy of sharing our space with two wonderful people we have loved learning from for years now Miss Kendra and Miss Nancy. Their creativity, kindness, and passion always inspire us.

We painted beautiful butterflies, and just like in nature, no two were the same. Each one was unique, colorful, and absolutely amazing just like the little artists who created them.

What a special day filled with creativity, learning, and appreciation for the beauty and diversity found all around us. Thank you, Miss Kendra and Miss Nancy, for bringing art, imagination, and joy to our day

How are you supposed to say goodbye to little pieces of your heart? ❤️

Every year I tell myself I’ll be prepared for this part… and every year it still hurts just the same. Being a teacher comes with so many beautiful blessings the hugs, the laughter, the watch this! moments, the endless stories, and getting to love these children like they are your own little family.
But no one talks enough about how hard it is to let them go.
These sweet kids came into our program so little, and somehow in the blink of an eye they are off to kindergarten. I am so incredibly proud of each and every one of them. I’ve watched them grow not only in learning, but in kindness, confidence, friendships, curiosity, and love for the world around them.
Kindergarten, you are getting some truly amazing little humans. Please treat them gently. They still need extra hugs, reassurance, silly moments, and someone to believe in them. They are so ready to spread their wings… even if my heart isn’t quite ready to let go yet.

To my sweet preschool babies thank you for letting me be part of your story. You will always hold a piece of my heart ♥️

There is something so incredibly powerful about a community coming together for our children. Today was one of those days that reminded me exactly why I pour my heart into this journey and why I will never stop believing in the importance of a village.

Watching these kids laugh, learn, and experience moments they will remember absolutely filled my heart. Some of them caught a fish completely on their own for the very first time today. Some learned how to cast their line solo. Some held a fish for the first time ever, baited their own hook, faced their fears, built confidence, and walked away so proud of themselves. The excitement, the squeals, the smiles, the “Did you see that?!” moments… those are the memories that shape childhood.

And none of this would have been possible without the incredible people who stepped up to make today happen.

A HUGE shoutout to Sue Weaver at Buck Bait Shop and Primitives in Peru, Indiana for donating all of the rods and reels for these kiddos. Your generosity gave these kids an opportunity to all fish together and that kindness will stay with them far beyond today.

Thank you so much to the entire Martino family for allowing us to fish at your beautiful pond, for helping organize this field trip, and for every single member of your family who showed up today to help these kids. You didn’t just give your time you gave these kids an experience full of joy, patience, encouragement, and love.

And to the parents who donated their time to help today… thank you.

This right here… this is my WHY.

The smiles on their faces.
The confidence they gained.
The memories they made.
The feeling of belonging, encouragement, and community.

Today was about so much more than fishing. It was about children feeling seen, capable, supported, and loved by an entire village standing behind them.

My heart is so full tonight.

Please, if you can give Buck Bait Shop and Primitives a follow and share supporting small business

Today nature became our classroom in the most beautiful way. We spotted tiny tadpoles swimming through the water, practiced balance and confidence while walking across a fallen tree, discovered wild ginger growing along the trail, and collected bright purple clover flowers along with nuts from the butternut tree. Back at school, the learning continued as we measured our treasures, compared sizes, and carefully recorded observations in our journals. Hands-on experiences like these help children connect with the world around them through curiosity, movement, exploration, and wonder