Pine Tree State Arboretum, Augusta

Today was the last day of Maine's Arbor week; and it was also the day that we visited the Pine Tree State Arboretum in Augusta. Splitting up into two groups, the younger children explored the arboretum and learned about various types of trees; spotted and listened to various birds (including a hawk); and did a hands-on tree observation activity. The older children also explored the grounds and learned how to use a dichotomus key to identify trees. After exploring the grounds we all gathered for a picnic in the cool shade. Each child also went home with a tree sapling to plant. I think we all could agree that we had a great time, and all plan to visit again.

If you would like to visit the Pine Tree State Arboretum in Augusta please check out their website:

http://www.pinetreestatearboretum.org/

A few April Highlights

4/3: Cooperative Learning Day, Auburn Public Library--Spring Theme

We had a small group but lots of spring-related activities! We had fun making rain gauges; planting seeds; creating collages; paper folding butterflies; attempting to make popsicle stick trees and lots more! It was a fun morning and everyone went home with an arm load of creations!

4/10: Get Outdoors Day: Summer St Park, Lisbon

Several families got together for a spring hike and lunch afterwards. Everyone had a great time and new friendships were made!

4/24 Field Trip: Maine Wildlife Park, Gray

Besides the beautiful and unseasonably warm weather, we were fortunate to have tour guides for our visit. Both the children and adults that visited on this day learned a lot of interesting facts about the animals in the park. At this particular spot on our tour we visited the porcupines in their new enclosure. Sadly, this enclosure is the first time that the porcupines have been exposed to actual earth. Before this they had been in concrete pens for over 15 years! The park has plans to create more suitable housing for the rest of the animals in the future.

Other interesting facts we learned: most of the animals at the park have been there for 10-15 years+. One of the bears at the park has been there for 20 years. Before that she had been used as a side-show attraction and stored in an old school bus. Not all Black Bears are black in color. One of the foxes is blind but gets around like she can see. Some of the birds are not nice neighbors to one another. I could go on and on...but you will just have to visit yourself.

At certain junctures in the park they have boxes with specimens on display. Certain children seemed more interested in one article versus the other. It became a joke in our group that there was a 'Skull Man' and a 'Scat Man' (another factoid-the scat is made of rubber). So at each box they got to touch and hold their preferred specimin.

After our tours the we took a time out for a lunch and to play. The kids had a great time climbing on the tree stump near our picnic table. It was a great day had by all!

April was a great month for the Making Memories Together Co-op! I hope that we can create more memories like these together in the future!

Welcome to Making Memories Together Co-op!

Welcome to the new blog of the Making Memories Together Co-op! Formed in September 2008, Making Memories Together Co-Op (MMT) exists to give parents and their children an opportunity to make memories together. In a group format, parents and their children come together to play, socialize and learn together. The majority of MMT's members homeschool and/or stay-home with their children. We all share a common goal: to create meaningful relationships with our children. It is our hope that you will use the MMT Co-op as a chance to help create that meaningful relationship with your child(ren); while at the same time enriching your children's lives through play, knowledge and friendship.

It should come as no surprise that the parents of MMT take an active role in: arranging outings and events; planning crafts and lessons; and leading group activities. Together with their children parents also get a chance to make new friends; learn new things (or relearn old information); and have an awesome first hand opportunity to see their children do the same!

Although we primarily get together in the Lewiston-Auburn area for our regularly scheduled events... we are open to anyone who is willing to travel. Currently we have members hailing from several different Maine counties: Androscoggin, Cumberland, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, Oxford and Franklin counties. We also take fieldtrips throughout the state.

The Making Memories Together Yahoo group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/makingmemoriestogether/ is a forum to share ideas; to talk about: parenting issues, homeschooling, homemaking, craft ideas, etc. Please use this also as a place to inform the group of other events that may fall outside of our regularly scheduled activities. If you would like to host a cooperative learning opportunity please let us know! We look forward to getting to know you and your children and hope that you enjoy Making Memories Together!