Prairie Early Childhood Homestead

11/21/2023

10/18/2023

I can't wait to share the wonders of the Homestead with the kids!

10/11/2023

Garden friends; borage, zinnia, pillinators and sunshine. 🌼

10/07/2023

It's that time of year again! Perfect day to plant garlic. Garlic is an amazing plant , each clove will produce a beautiful bulb with about 7 cloves. Some for eating and save some for fall planting.

I usually sprinkle spinach seeds between the garlic when it comes up again in the spring. Harvest in July when the leaves begin to die back.

10/05/2023

Morning garden questions; are plants alive? Do they grow and change? What do they need to grow?
The children discovered; plants grow, change and need water, air and sunshine like ME! Plants are alive just like me!

10/04/2023

Hello my name is April Hoy,
I am excited to offer an enriching nature-based early childhood program in Ostrander. I have 20 years of experience as an environmental educator. I serve on the board of directors for Leave No Child Inside, Central Ohio Collaborative; Camp Director for Camp Wyandot; Garden Educator at the Franklin County Board Early Childhood Learning Center; and with Stratford Ecological Center for 16 years in the role of Education Director and Program Coordinator. I believe every child has an inherent kinship with the natural world that, when fostered, gives children a holistic foundation for life. I am excited to provide a loving environment that nurtures children’s natural curiosity, sense of discovery, and compassionate heart.

09/28/2023

Plant life cycle lesson, and bonus garden art!

09/22/2023

Found this little friend while weeding the kale bed. New England Aster, one of our late blooming natives! The purple flower looks beautiful with the yellow Canada golden rod (non-native, but possibly naturalized?). Mother nature is a beautiful artist! Good thing this bed hasn't been weeded for a while (hehe)! This little lovely will have a new home!

09/21/2023

Happy Autumn Equinox! Beautiful morning in the garden with the children at the Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities Early Learning Community!

09/20/2023

Morning pollinator lesson!