Hello friends! My name is Farmer Fern. My best friend's name is Nathan; he is a talented 18 year-old who designed the Farmer Fern Puppet Program when he was just 15 years old, and has written and performed plays where puppets like me, give voice to children who are often not able to speak for themselves.
With lots of help from the Guelph Community Foundation, KidsAbility and friends just like you, we bring the joy of gardening and puppet-making, through light-hearted play, to children with Autism, developmental challenges, mental health concerns and life-altering illnesses.
The Farmer Fern and Friends Puppet Program introduces children of all ages, and their families to nature and the environment, while building self-esteem, self-confidence and offers new skills development!
The program spotlights ‘ability’ and develops an environment where systemic barriers can be eliminated and perceptions of ‘disability’ can be reframed and where the children become “Agents of Change” for themselves and for other children who come after them.
For more information about the Farmer Fern and Friends Puppet Program, please email me at farmerfernpuppets@gmail.com
The Farmer Fern and Friends Puppet Program introduces children of all ages, and their families to nature and the environment, while building self-esteem, self-confidence and offers new skills development!
The program spotlights ‘ability’ and develops an environment where systemic barriers can be eliminated and perceptions of ‘disability’ can be reframed and where the children become “Agents of Change” for themselves and for other children who come after them.
For more information about the Farmer Fern and Friends Puppet Program, please email me at farmerfernpuppets@gmail.com
Please take a moment to meet my friends:
Nathan Gatten |
Erica Gatten |
Alisa McRonald |
Lea Tran |
I find joy connecting people with nature. I am currently doing this through Horticultural Therapy at The Guelph Enabling Garden, an accessible gardening space where folks of all ages and abilities can come to enjoy some peace and calm. As a Horticultural Therapist, I help people to build healthy relationships with plants and nature.
Farmer Fern has definitely been a great friend and colleague, helping to get the following important message out: Get to know and love Mother Earth! She's beautiful and spending time with her makes you realize that you are beautiful too :)
Please take a moment to visit www.guelphenablinggarden.blogspot.ca to find out what's happening at the Guelph Enabling Garden!
Louisa Krátká |
I am a Jill of Many Trades: a bookbinder, musician and visual artist. I studied art in Halifax and Philadelphia, and now I teach art projects in Ontario schools and at art centres. I like to make things such as puppets, books, prints, woven fabrics and home-made musical instruments like copper pipe xylophones and the ear zither I'm holding in this picture. I love to sing and play the violin.
But LISTEN! Music is happening all around us. In the springtime, the birds sing their many different songs, the river bubbles away and Farmer Fern whistles while he plants his seeds (and munches on carrots). LOOK! The flowers, tall trees, green fields, blue skies, butterflies...the wind, rain, sun, moon all inspire me with their hues, patterns, movements, smells and stories.
Come and join Farmer Fern & his Friends as they tell stories about the nature all around them!
Sarah Oliver |
As an Early Childhood Educator, I have so much fun when I am rambling about in the great outdoors with a group of children. Rain or shine, children love exploring and mucking about in all kinds of weather as long as they are comfortable and dry. The garden provides a wonderful opportunity for outdoor exploration that engages all of the senses. I appreciate the simpler things such as the sweet smell of a flower blossom or the taste of a fresh, crisp snow pea straight off the vine.
I also enjoy crafting and bringing new life to discarded items. A sweater one day, becomes a child's toy the next. You can check out my blog to see what I have been up to in my garden and sewing room at:
birdeyehandmade.blogspot.ca
I can't wait to see what new and exciting adventures are waiting just around the corner. I hope to see you there!
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