Help children connect more closely with nature.

(Baonghean) - Creating green spaces and organizing activities that allow children to experience nature is one of the important goals of the thematic project "Giving preschool children hands-on experiences with the natural environment". Initially, the model has yielded certain positive results…

The fairy tale garden at Mon Son Kindergarten (Con Cuong) features images of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, deer, and even the gentle Tam from the story of Tam Cam… Since this space was created, the children's playtime seems more lively and longer. Being able to play freely and listen to their teachers talk about the characters in fairy tales helps them learn many new things…

The rural market of Dien Xuan Kindergarten (Dien Chau)

Further north in Tuong Duong, Tam Thai Kindergarten seems to have undergone a transformation since the teachers rearranged and reorganized the schoolyard. The garden features a "hanging Babylon garden," with whimsical climbing vines planted in plastic pipes; a replica of a traditional Thai stilt house used as a cultural heritage preservation center; a folk games corner; and a science exploration corner… For kindergarten children in this highland region, the image of a stilt house is certainly not unfamiliar, but creating a real model for them to play and experience is something completely new. There, the children are introduced to traditional dances, Thai folk songs, and traditional musical instruments… thereby fostering a greater awareness of their homeland's traditions…

The garden of Tam Thai Commune Kindergarten (Tuong Duong)

Another dreamlike space is the Dien Xuan Commune Kindergarten (Dien Chau District), which is beautiful, spacious, and welcoming. It feels like a miniature park with a children's garden, a rural market, a sand and water experience area, a fairy tale garden, and an outdoor activity area. The fairy tale garden is built in a winding style, with a river, a stream, a small bridge crossing it, pine trees, coconut trees, and various simulated plants and animals… Just running and playing in this space allows children to experience life and nature, things that always spark their imagination…

The focus on beautifying the school grounds only began after the school was selected as a pilot site for the project "Giving preschool children hands-on experiences with the natural environment," and from then on, ideas for creating a child-friendly living environment gradually took shape. Fortunately, when this plan was implemented, parents were very supportive. Therefore, from the school garden and playground to the entire meticulously constructed and aesthetically pleasing fairytale garden model, everything was built with the voluntary contributions of parents in terms of labor and money.

Ms. Ngo Thi Hanh, the school's Vice Principal, shared: "Many families are hesitant to let their children experience nature, reluctant to take them to rivers and streams… To help the children get closer to the natural environment, we have built models and playgrounds where they can freely run on the sand, feel the roughness of the pebbles, or experience the coolness of the stream… In addition, the school also organizes traditional rural markets, with the participation of both parents and students. Children who participate will learn about traditional Vietnamese farming tools and experience local dishes with their parents and teachers…"

Some schools even organize organic vegetable gardens and nutritious vegetable gardens for children to serve the school's lunch program and provide opportunities for children to practice and experience. They design separate areas for visits, areas for children to sow seeds and care for plants and animals, and add various bottles, dyes, molds, tools for plant care, and experimental equipment…

The thematic project "Organizing activities for preschool children to practice and experience the natural environment" has been implemented in our province for two years, with 521 out of 524 schools participating. The success of this project is not only reflected in the more than 20 billion VND mobilized for the construction of the environmental landscape, but also in the shift in mindset towards creating a truly natural and welcoming learning environment for children, even in the smallest ways. More importantly, through these activities, children observe, explore, and discover the natural environment, becoming more aware of caring for and protecting plants and the environment. They gain hands-on experience and have the opportunity to express their abilities. Children become more confident and proactive, fostering creativity in their participation. From these first steps, children also accumulate life experiences, teamwork skills, and learn to share with friends, which will be the foundation and initial experiences that help them grow up...

Text and photos:My Ha