Summer is a special time at Ellis

Ellis’s summer programs are in full swing, and our preschoolers are embracing every moment of sunshine, discovery, and hands-on fun. From digging in the garden to gliding across the water on Boston’s iconic Swan Boats, summer at Ellis is all about exploration, imagination, and connection with the world around us. Each week brings new outdoor adventures designed to spark curiosity and deepen learning. Whether children are planting herbs and vegetables in our garden or spotting ducks at the Public Garden, every experience is a chance to grow in knowledge, confidence, and joy.

Our gardening program begins in the spring as our students plant the seeds that they will harvest during the summer. Thanks to PNC Bank, our preschool and toddler classes receive weekly gardening education where they learn everything from the parts of the plant to seed cycles. Our gardening program is a special and important opportunity for our students to grow their own food and experience healthy eating firsthand.

For many of our preschoolers, this is their first time learning where food really comes from–not a store shelf, but the soil beneath their feet. As they dig, plant, water, and harvest, children learn more than just gardening skills. They develop patience, responsibility, and a deep appreciation for nature. They’re introduced to the idea that caring for something over time leads to growth. When they get to taste kale for the first time or nibble on basil leaves, healthy eating becomes exciting and real. This hands-on connection to food also opens the door to conversations about nutrition, sustainability, and making choices that support their bodies and the environment. It’s a powerful, joyful way to build lifelong habits–-one small seed at a time.

Our other outdoor activities are an important part of summer education at Ellis. The students go on an annual trip to the Boston Public Garden to ride in the Swan Boats and run around the beautiful park. These outdoor enrichment trips are a highlight of summer for our little learners. One student in the Patriots class exclaimed, “I love playing in the grass with all my friends and seeing the pretty boats!” The students treasure this beloved Boston tradition, but these trips are not simply for fun. As the children notice the ripples on the pond, the birds overhead, and even the sounds of the city around them, they’re learning lessons in science, nature, and mindfulness.

Summer presents an opportunity for our students to connect to nature and explore our community in new ways that challenge their learning! We are proud to offer these experiences to our wonderful students.