SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — Families from throughout Essex County gathered at Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel on a sunny Sunday for “Juice and Spruce.” The family event was held to clean up the three playgrounds used by preschool students at TSTI as well as provide an opportunity for the families to gather informally and enjoy a beautiful spring day. Participants planted boxwood shrubs for the Reform synagogue’s living menorah and refreshed the garden beds; stabilized the canoe, which features prominently in the children’s dramatic play; removed broken toys and debris; replaced rocks in the playground “river”; and designed a mud kitchen. The grounds, which include a NatureScape filled with natural materials for exploration and creative play, will soon add a willow hut.
“Our students spend almost all day outdoors, weather permitting,” Carol Paster, director of TSTI’s Iris Family Center for Early Childhood Education, said in a press release. “Exploring nature and engaging in imaginative play are an important part of our curriculum and of the children’s development.”
Joining Paster and the parents of preschoolers was Sabina Soloway of Maplewood, the nature educator who works with TSTI. After all the hard work was done, everyone enjoyed a juice break together.
Photos Courtesy of TSTI
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