The environment has long been referred to as the ‘third teacher’. “Play is the highest form of Research” said Albert Einstein. Play is iterative. Play and learning are not static.
Children play to practice skills, try out possibilities, revise hypotheses and discover new challenges, leading to deeper learning. We are delighted that we now have one such rich outdoor learning environment at Akshar Arbol International School!
This learning space is designed to provide opportunities for open-ended interactions, spontaneity, exploration, discovery, risk-taking, and connection with nature. Each material is chosen with utmost care keeping in mind the sustainability and connection to nature, using recycled objects and materials collected from the environment.
Using recycled objects in different ways helps young children in so many ways:
- Triggers their imagination and builds creativity.
- Encourages them to be responsible in taking care of the environment.
- Stimulates rich play-based learning opportunities.
A sensory path is designed with varied ground surfaces, such as, grass, pebbles, pipes, sand, rubber, coir and so on. Children can walk through different types of mazes to enhance spatial awareness and problem-solving skills. An amphitheatre awaits, for children to get on to the stage and perform dramatic play and puppetry. The magical music wall is for children to be creative, have fun and enhance their listening skills.
Ultimately, this space enables children to take on an active role and ownership in their experiences promoting agency. This learning space thus set up outdoors in a natural environment for physical play and imaginary play is all set to promote an appreciation of, and a lifelong connectedness, to the environment.
