SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — A program at Good Earth State Park near Sioux Falls is teaching young children about all things nature.
The morning rain wasn’t enough to stop nearly a dozen families from making their way to Good Earth State Park for Little Acorns.
“Little Acorns, in a nutshell, is our preschool program that we offer each month throughout the year during the school year at Good Earth and it’s geared for ages 3-5, we do a different topic each month about nature and the park,” park naturalist Jen Stahl said.
Frogs and toads were the stars of Wednesday’s show.
“We usually start with a story and then have a little role play back and forth, we learn about the animal itself, and then there’s usually an activity and we do a craft, and sometimes at the end we wrap up with a game,” Stahl said.
That variety and the early time slot make Little Acorns popular among parents.
“Little kids are around on Wednesday mornings, they’re not in school just yet, so it’s a great time for moms and dads to bring out their kiddos and have some interaction and something for them to do in the morning,’ Stahl said.
“It’s a different class every month, it’s really educational, my daughter is just about to turn four and she just really enjoys connecting with nature and learning about all the different animals in South Dakota,” Sioux Falls resident Jamie Siorek said.
Siorek has been bringing her 3-year-old daughter Lily to Little Acorns since last fall, but only one of them was looking forward to frogs and toads.
“She’s going to be very brave and touch one and I told her I did not want to do that, so it’s just such a positive experience and Jen is really great with the kids so we’ve really enjoyed every class we’ve been to,” Siorek said.
Whether the topic is frogs and toads, beavers, butterflies, or snakes, Stahl says it’s all about getting kids hooked on nature.
“I hope they change a thumbs down to that critter to a thumbs up and they change their perspective and they have some fun and they learn a little something,” Stahl said.
Little Acorns won’t happen in May as it’s field trip season at Good Earth State Park, but will return on a weekly basis in June and July, every Thursday morning at 10. The program is always free to attend, but registration is required.
