Fall/Winter 2024 Playgroup Reflections

Fall 2024 playgroups were a huge hit, averaging around 20 attendees (both children and caregivers) per session, with a record of 35 on November 5. Children and their families loved exploring the garden in the fall, raking leaves, sweeping, hauling heavy things in wheelbarrows, investigating pumpkins, and more. The warm weather also brought out lots of parents of babies who have enjoyed lounging on the lawn and connecting with friends.

-Kristin Arcangeli, Somerville Family Learning Collaborative (SFLC) Family Group

Our fall group this year went great. Children love raking leaves, sweeping and carrying leaves in the wheelbarrows, [playing in] the sandbox, and exploring the garden. Families also enjoyed connecting and socializing with each other, and except for a few rainy days, sessions had participation by families. For next year, we would love to have more marigold and purple globe amaranth flower plantings in a bigger space (upper patio) if possible. 

-Rina Rajbanshi, Somerville Family Learning Collaborative (SFLC) Nepali Family Group

The Growing Center is a space of exploration, with colorful leaves, plants, crisp air, and plenty of nature to discover. The children have so much fun, from climbing the tree, crunching through leaves, digging in the sandbox, and getting creative with the tree branches, acorns, and other natural treasures the garden has to offer. It's a place that offers hands-on learning and connections to the outdoors in many ways.

-Jenny Gomatos, Dandelion Preschool