All the Extras!

The Events

When I launched the AYM program, it felt important to put in place gatherings that the AYM children could plan, execute, and ultimately call their own…with the kindergartens taking the lead in most of the work. Our founders, Annette and Frank Kulle supported the idea wholeheartedly. I could put my vision to reality because the AYM program has three additional hours in our day and runs year-round compared to our traditional primary classes. So, this is how Cookie Exchange, Spring Dance, Garden Walk, and the beloved Fall Harvest came to be. 

The Baking

AYM is a home away from home for many children. In a sense, it’s much like Maria Montessori’s first Casa. With that in mind, it was necessary to incorporate activities that would feel relaxing and reflective but also be purposeful for the children. Baking was it! Our day of culinary begins at breakfast with children making batters from scratch to be made for a group of up to 40 children per sitting.

We also have two types of Baking that the children can do independently after receiving the initial lesson; Baking for the class and Baking for a friend. Baking for the class is necessary for the children to have snack daily—one of those built-in responsibilities. Baking for a Friend is just that. You do not reap the benefits of EATING but simply the joy of doing for others.

The Gardening

From the first stage of seed and plant selection, children develop a sense of pride, responsibility, and community through planting and tending to the garden. We ask the parents if they want to contribute plants, soil, seeds, or tools to the project. I decided long ago to leave the parents out of the construction piece, and I wanted it to “belong” to the children. We grow some seedlings in a small greenhouse next to our garden plot. A barrel, a window box, or a small raised Garden will do just fine. Whichever type of garden you choose, consider the climate and growing season before planting. In Illinois, we have minimal time for gardening, so we enjoy every minute of it!

The Art

I can confidently say that art has been central to the success of this AYM classroom. For years teachers at Countryside Day School struggled to make work with art materials meaningful without much success. However, under the mentorship of Carol Alver, the children's experience with art changed dramatically. The primary children now work thoughtfully and with intention to either learn how to use different art media or to express what they have learned in all subject areas artistically. And the AYM environment has the luxury of more time using materials such as Crayons, Tempera Paints, Water Colors, Charcoal, Pastels, Stitching, Embroidery, Collage, and more to bring the children’s ideas come to life.