The four walls of one classroom were no match for their imagination. Immersing themselves in stories, youngsters at Arcadia Nature Preschool traveled to worlds beyond their reach.
But this time, their families came along.
On April 12th and 13th, the preschoolers at the Mass Audubon Society wildlife preserve in Easthampton held a Nature Story Fair to exhibit what they’ve been learning.
Fantasy stories were brought to life with animal puppets, finger paints, a fairy tent play area and books both authored and illustrated by the young children.
“It can be hard for preschoolers to think back and articulate what they did in school, so it’s nice for parents to get the inside scoop,” said teacher Ruthie Ireland.
Guided by their youngsters, parents excitedly engaged in the playful experience.
Dimos Raptelis of Northampton sat enraptured as his mother, Carrie, read to him.
“You get to learn about things,” the four year old said of books.
And Carrie Raptelis? She said her son teaches her plenty of new things, too.
Sarah Crosby can be reached at scrosby@gazettenet.com.