Don't miss a thing! Visit us on Facebook for all of our Imagine Nation At Home experiences!
Food Explorers: Let's Make Lunch!
March 27, 2021 at 11 AM
Make Mac & Cheese For Your Family!
Join Katie, Registered Dietitian from Food Explorers, to make a lightened up version of Mac & Cheese! Not to worry, you’ll still be adding plenty of cheese to this recipe in addition to your choice of vegetable! You’ll need the following ingredients for this recipe: dried pasta (elbows), 2 TBSP butter, 1/4 cup flour, onion, 2 cups milk, cheddar cheese, your choice of vegetable (spinach or broccoli would work well) plus optional breadcrumbs and Parmesan.
Date: Saturday, March 27, 2021
Time: 11am on ZOOM
For: Children ages 7 and up & Adult
Call Imagine Nation at 860-540-3160 to register and get the Zoom link! Registration is limited.
This program is made possible by the Thomaston Savings Bank Foundation
Yoga for Children
March 20, 2021 at 9:30-10 AM
On this first day of Spring, perhaps you and your children have a bit of "Spring Fever!" Spring is an exciting time of flowers blooming, animals emerging, and the weather warming. Join us for a Spring themed family yoga lesson to re-energize and move our bodies and renew our minds. We will stretch, strengthen, balance, and breathe and empower your children with skills to build a foundation for lifelong health and wellness. Join us for this Virtual Facebook event with your family as we stretch and move our bodies!
This program is made possible by the Thomaston Savings Bank Foundation.
Yoga for Children
February 16, 2021 at 9:30-10 AM
During the winter months, many animals hibernate, migrate, and adapt in order to prepare for the cold. We, too, spend more time indoors and sometimes move our bodies less because of the cold and darkness of the winter. Yoga can be a great way to inspire both children and adults to move their bodies. It can develop strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination, as well as focus and calming. Best of all, it can be done at home, indoors! Join us for this Virtual Facebook event with your family as we stretch and move our bodies to winter animal yoga!
This program is made possible by the Thomaston Savings Bank Foundation.
Winter-Wonderland Music, Bubble and Comedy Show
January 31, 2021 at 10:30 AM
“Sleigh bells ring! Are you listenin’?” The Winter-Wonderland Music, Bubble, and Comedy Show is a snowy “turtle-riffic” musical experience that is designed to engage children through winter songs, movement activities, big giant bubbles, prizes, children’s stories, and interactive music technology! The show is crafted to be inclusive for all children, including children on the Autism Spectrum, and a great time for parents and caregivers! Each song in the 30-minute show is accompanied by hands-on, visual, and sensory experiences designed to help kids learn and have fun at the same time.
Generously sponsored by the McPhee Foundation.
Zoom Details:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://bit.ly/Turtle-Dance-Music-Winter-Dance-Party...
Meeting ID: 823 6373 2424
Passcode: music
Salad Spinner Tie-Dye
July 2nd, 2020
This week in the Art Studio, our students are experimenting with tie-dye! Children started by tying up their fabric, and then they sprayed their favorite colors to dye the fabric! We used this method as an alternative to dipping and to give children more control over the distribution of different colors.
Tie-dye Fun
June 29th, 2020
This week in the Art Studio, our students are experimenting with tie-dye!
Children started by tying up their fabric, and then they sprayed their favorite colors to dye the fabric! We used this method as an alternative to dipping and to give children more control over the distribution of different colors. Try your own tie-dye at home!
Make Your Own Smoothies
June 25th, 2020
From Assistant Teacher Ms. O'Dell: My little cousin wanted to make a fruit smoothie for the first time so I helped her make one from scratch. We looked around the kitchen to see what we can put in it, and I let her put in the ingredients, I used the blender and it came out great! She was so happy to learn something new about using what you got at home to make something awesome. Also measuring and letting her choose what she’d prefer gave her some independence too. Also this was a fun activity to do with family at home! And making a fruit smoothie at home helps you control what you put in it so you can make it as healthy as possible!
Examining Insects
June 24th, 2020
Explore the outdoors by examining insects! Mr. Vigo's class is excited about ants this week. Children are enjoying finding ants, counting them, discussing the parts of an ant, and observing! Children created their own ants using stones and natural materials. Observe ants outside your home and investigate!
Still Life Painting
June 23rd, 2020
Explore still life painting at home! Select a simple object- like an orange- as a simple introduction to painting using observational skills. Allow children to hold and smell the orange before they begin- it's an added sensory experience that will enhance children's connection with the subject. Children in our Early Learning School learned about artist Paul Cezanne as an introduction to this still life painting experience!
Dyed Rice
June 22nd, 2020
From Alexandra Strahowski: For every 1 cup of rice, add 1 tablespoon of vinegar, and 5 drops of food coloring. Then pour into a Ziploc bag and mix. Lay out colored rice on a cookie sheet and let dry(ready in 30 minutes or less!). You can also added essential oils to fade away the vinegar smell. Kids all loved it!
Nature Exploration
June 18th, 2020
Explore nature! Ms. Nadeau's class added some additional interest to their exploration. Each child was equipped with a masking tape bracelet to collect their favorite finds! Go for a walk and see what you can collect!
Kids in the Kitchen
June 16th, 2020
From Head Teacher Jessica Middleton: "We love to bake. Today we made homemade cinnamon rolls! Adrienne always enjoys helping! She helps by counting and measuring the ingredients, mixing them together, and then putting it on the pan! A great fun way to incorporate learning!" Click here for the steps!
Color Scavenger Hunt
June 4th, 2020
Assistant Teacher Bonita O'Dell: A Color Scavenger Hunt activity! The parents will help the child by writing on the top of the page and scribbling the colors. Then let the child go around the house or in the backyard to find any object that matches the colors. And then once it’s complete, the parent can rearrange the objects for the child to arrange them correctly so they can practice color matching. This activity is good for the child to practice matching, color recognition and to get your kid up and moving around!"
Violet Potion
June 3rd, 2020
From Rachel Szostek:
We gathered violets (and a few other fun flowers we found), then we sorted them!
We put all of the violets in a jar and poured in 2 cups of hot water, then stirred the violets with a spoon.
The water started to change into a beautiful blue color!
We separated our violet potion into 3 containers, and started experimenting! Adding an acid (we chose vinegar) turned the blue potion pink! Adding a base (we used baking soda) changed the pink potion back to blue!
This color change is because of special molecules found in violet flowers called anthocyanins, which give the violets their purple color. Anthocyanins are sensitive to changes in acidity, and they react by changing color! Anthocyanins are responsible for the coloring of many red or purple fruits and vegetables, including cherries, acai berries, red cabbage, and concord grapes!
Read Along
June 2nd, 2020
From Head Teacher Kirstie Brady: Social Emotional activities are critical for children during this time. This week I read a story called “In My Heart”. This book gives great descriptions of each feeling in a child’s perspective. I gave my class the task of drawing how their heart is feeling and to describe the feeling just like the story. Colors are a great way to describe the child’s feelings without using words. Watch the video here!
Rainbow Apron Project
May 29th, 2020
Our friend Jodie Fitz is sharing her Rainbow Apron project! Here's link with the details!
Read Along
May 28th, 2020
Join Head Teacher Ms. Green for a reading of Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, by Bill Martin, Jr. and John Archambault! Click for the video.
All About Kites With Richard
May 26th, 2020
During this time at home we are all looking for things to do as a family. There are so many great activities we can do outside, one of my favorites is flying kites!" Check out the full video for expert tips and tricks of kite flying!
Regrow Your Own Lettuce
May 25th, 2020
From Assistant Teacher Ms. Supernaugh: "Easy at home experiment! This time I used the bottom of a head of romaine lettuce but you can try with carrots or potatoes, too. Simply cut off the bottom of the head of lettuce and place it in a small bowl of water. New growth begins from the center of the in as little as 3 days and you’ll have a new half-head of lettuce in about 2 weeks!"
Pizza Fractions
May 22nd, 2020
Our friend Jodie Fitz is here reading Fidget Grows a Pizza Garden. Join Jodie for a Pizza Fractions activity!
Nature Faces
May 22nd, 2020
From Jessica Middleton:
A great, fun, easy activity to do with your child at home outside! This is also a great idea to do on a nature walk! Take a bag with you on your nature walk, collect nature items, and put together your nature face when you return. Super easy and fun!! All you need is nature items! Adrienne made a face! She used sticks to make a head! Rocks for the eyes. A pine cone for the nose. Grass for hair. She used sticks for arms, and leaves for the hands!
Baking Together as a Family
May 21st, 2020
From Rachel & Malcolm: Baking together is a great opportunity to explore science and math concepts in a fun and delicious way.
Search the recipe and measuring cups together for familiar letters, words, or numbers!
Children can also observe the changes that occur when you mix in new ingredients! Malcolm really enjoyed seeing the oil sitting on top of the water.
Baking also helps children practice important skills, such as scooping, pouring, stirring, and of course, cleaning up! Click here for all the steps!
How to Cook with Children
May 20th, 2020
Chef P. is here to share some of her tips for cooking with children! Watch her full video here!
Turkey Tacos
May 19th, 2020
From Sara Castle: Cooking with Chris! Turkey tacos! Cooking with kids is not only a bonding experience, but teaches everyday life skills and nutrition. Tonight we made an easy family favorite, ground turkey tacos. Using ground turkey is healthier than ground beef, and we prefer it. See the steps in the photos here.
Friday, May 15th
From Ms. Alicia: Made a sensory bag for Gabi using a freezer bag, clear hair gel, and some Easter erasers. Sensory play has been one of her favorite activities since we’ve been quarantined. This was the easiest and cleanest way for sensory play so far!
Wednesday, May 13th
From Karen Pac: I have noticed that the children in theater class are loving taking pictures and they are really great at it!!! Here is a photo scavenger hunt they might like, I just made it up so feel free to change it as you see fit for your child.
Not only would it be fun for them, it will also increase their powers of observation and problem solving skills!
Take a picture of:
A piece of fruit
An animal
Something you eat with
A horizon line (they may remember this from painting class)
A piece of Art
A family member
Something electric
A person who doesn't know you are taking their picture
Something cozy
A character on a tv show
Your favorite toy
A book
A tree
Something you see out the window
Someone you love
Monday, May 11th
From Head Teacher Leah Zukauskas: Create your own mandalas at home with any materials you have around the house. My son actually had this as an art assignment and we made it out of candy
Saturday, May 9th
From Head Teacher Camie Lopez: This video
includes some great coping strategies that could help our younger students during this anxiety provoking time.
Wednesday, May 5th
From Omar Vigo: I just went to my backyard and I did a simple math provocation. You can use it to practice numeral recognition, counting, you can use natural sticks to make numbers, and practice number operation skills. Another idea is to collect rocks and sticks by sizes, colors, and forms. If you want to incorporate science, you can also look for insects and observe them.
Tuesday, May 5th
Looking to eat more veggies you can't taste? Check out our friend Jodie Fitz's veggie packed turkey tacos. Jodie has two children who won't eat three items in this recipe alone, but LOVE this veggie packed turkey tacos. This is what Jodie calls the magic of a recipe. Watch the video,
grab the recipe and try it at home!
Monday, April 27th
From Head Teacher Omar Vigo: Here's a basic science idea for our kids at home. If you have plants in your yard this is a great idea to keep them hydrated during your vacations or spring season. My wife had the opportunity to build it with my son and I help him to work on science concepts such as organization, cause and effect, investigating, create a model or system, questioning and defining problems. This is a great opportunity to engage your kids and keep them mentally occupied and to develop fine motor skills as well. Here is a step by step video.
Sunday, April 26th
From Doreen Stickney and Siena: Explore creative play and make your own playdough! Playdough helps improve fine motor development, eye hand coordination, imagination and creativity! What will you create?
2 cups of flour, add more if needed
1/2 cup of salt
1 16oz packet of Kool-Aid or unsweetened powdered drink mix
1 cup boiling water
1/2 TBSP of cooking oil
Knead the mixture
Play and Create!
Friday, April 24th
Try out this experience
on a sunny day! Here's a tip from Karen Pac: If they leave it there and go back to it as the sun changes the shadow and retrace it a few times, they can see the movement of the shadow!
Thursday, April 23rd
From Rachel Szostek:
Making Oobleck!
Oobleck is a fun activity that only needs 2 ingredients: Cornstarch and Water! Combined, they form the ooey gooey substance known as Oobleck.
Oobleck is a super cool substance because it acts like both a liquid AND a solid, depending on how fast or slow you move it. If you move it or hit it fast, it will seem solid, but if you slowly dip a finger or a hand in, you'll come out covered in slimy Oobleck!
We used:
-1 cup of Cornstarch
-1.3 oz package of sugar free jello (not necessary, but it makes for a cool color change and it smells lovely)
-3/4 cup of Warm Water
Mix up the cornstarch and the jello with a fork or whisk until blended.
Add your water in small amounts until you get to the consistency you want!
If you prefer a less messy activity, just add more cornstarch! It will become closer to a putty than a liquid, and you can hold it and roll is easier! You can also add water to make it gooey again!
Wednesday, April 22th
From Karen Pac:
This is a scavenger hunt done with a camera!
Snapshot Scavenger Hunt:
Someone laughing
Something that smells yummy
Something cold
A shadow
Someone sleeping
Something silly
Someone who makes you happy
Something smaller than your fingernail
Something that you've never seen before
Something you want to know more about
Tuesday, April 21st
Jenn is here with a kitchen science demonstration! All you need to have fun with lemon volcanoes is a lemon, some baking soda, and dish detergent. Plus some food coloring to make it extra special! Click to watch her video!
Sunday, April 19th
Sara is back with another story related to the art of Andy Goldsworthy, along with some ideas for fun outdoors! First, watch this video
of Sara teaching us about Andy Goldsworthy. Next, try an outdoor activity inspired by his artwork here!
Wednesday, April 15th
From Karen: I have done this activity for years with kids of all ages. Parents can lengthen or shorten it depending on space and age. It's intended for indoor/outdoor seeking.
SCAVENGER HUNT
A bag of any kind
Something you can write with
4 different shaped leaves
Something that sparkles
A twig in the shape of a number
A flat rock
A bumpy rock
An eraser
A piece of recycling
A feather
A piece of paper
A flower
A blade of grass
A pine cone
A photograph
A piece of lint
A bottle cap
A napkin
A toy smaller than 2 inches
A sock
Other additions for more indoor seeking:
A shoelace
Your favorite book
A coupon
A candle
A piece of cardboard
Tuesday, April 14th
From Assistant Teacher Tori Supernaugh: 2 ingredient bagels for mid day baking time!
1 cup self rising flour
1 cup non fat Greek yogurt
Mix together, form bagel shape, spread with egg yolk and everything sesame seasoning .
Bake for 20 minutes at 375 *Spray cookie sheet first so they don’t stick!
Monday, April 13th
From Doreen Stickney and Siena: Homemade Musical Instruments- music benefits children by inspiring creativity, self-expression, improving language development and much more. Create your very own musical instrument by following these simple directions
to make your very own tambourine!
Sunday, April 12th
From Early Learning School Assistant Teacher Janine Oaks: I know in our class the children love any hands on activity. I have seen so many children create different things by simply encouraging them. You may ask, “What lines, shapes ,letters, and numbers can you make? “ You can be creative with this. While having fun you can set expectations as well as free play. 
Friday, April 10th
Get fancy with paper flowers! Sara Castle made paper hyacinths to decorate her window with this simple project. Sara used a skewer to roll her flowers- using a pencil to roll may be easier for young children.
From Sara: They were pretty easy and came out really nice! You just need construction paper, glue, scissors and something to curl the paper with (I used a metal skewer I had because I wanted tight curls but you could use a pencil or pen too)."
Monday, April 6th
Sara Castle provides an introduction to artist Andy Goldsworthy! Here's a follow-up video
for this morning's post on the art of Andy Goldsworthy!
Sunday, April 5th
Looking to brighten someone's day? Join us in our Kindness Initiative.
Send a welcoming card, letter, or drawing to residents at local nursing care facilities or grandparents and members of your own family, who are unable to have visitors during this time.
Saturday, April 4th
From Early Learning School Teacher Leah Zukauskas: "Within my classroom the children have had a blast with this CD which is fully on YouTube- especially Jambo Bwana...we have been learning the words!! I had a parent share a video of their child dancing to it because it’s all she wanted." Listen, dance, and tag us in your photos and videos! We'd love to see! Ms. Rachel is here to sing one of room 2A's favorites- Jambo Bwana!
Friday, April 3rd
From Early Learning School Head Teacher Joann Talbot: Young children love to be read to. Now is the perfect opportunity to hone in on your read aloud! Add pitch, pace, tone, and intonation to your delivery. When we read aloud to children, we engage them in texts that they might not be able to read. Open up a world they can visualize, and escape to. Parents, let your children "catch" you reading. Help foster a lifelong love for books.
Wednesday, April 1st
From Rachel & Malcolm: Here's a fun, edible engineering experiment you can do at home using marshmallows, apple cubes, and toothpicks. If you don't have marshmallows or apples, you can try other foods! Have your child guess which building material will be more sturdy, and ask them why! Try and build a square together, or for an extra challenge, try a cube! See what other shapes you can make! The best part of this experiment is getting to eat it all when you're done! 
Tuesday, March 31st
From Creative Food Coordinator Priscilla Harnesk: Food is sustenance. Food is celebration. Food is comfort. Made my comfort food, tortellini with Alfredo sauce. Comfort food doesn't have to be unhealthy. Mac and cheese and Alfredo sauce can be made with lowfat milk or evaporated nonfat milk with chicken or vegetable broth added. What comfort food are you making and what healthy adaptations are you making to your recipes? Post your faves!
Sunday, March 29th
From Outreach Coordinator Rachel Szostek: Went searching for signs of spring with Malcolm! Check under rocks to find slumbering bugs and worm tunnels, and check under whats left of plants after the winter to find new growth underneath!
Saturday, March 28th
From Alexandra Strahowski: Posting the day, month, and year for your child each morning is an easy way to introduce a routine in your home. Routines provide a sense of stability for children, and updating a family calendar is a simple way for children to make a contribution to a family project.
Thursday, March 26th
Chalk your Walk! Step outside on a nice day and write a positive message on the sidewalk for your neighbors. You can also make an encouraging sign or a drawing and display it in a window for neighbors to see! Share your photos with us- we'd love to see them!
Wednesday, March 25th
This one comes from Karen Pac! Recycled Material fun #1: Simple Bird Feeder! If you place it in an area you can see from a window, children can watch and learn about the birds! Do you think the birds will find their way to my feeder? Show a picture of yours in the comments and we'll keep each other posted on if the birds find the feeders! Have fun! Use any type of recycled item that can hold some bird seed, attach in any way that works for your materials and is sturdy, and watch for the magic!
