Nature stimulates learning
THERE is a deep connection between children and nature. Children love to explore the world around them as it is a part of their personalities.
Think of the times you bring your children outdoors to play in the lap of nature and how much they enjoy jumping in puddles, building leaf mountains, playing on the beach and climbing trees. Pebbles, seashells, grass, rocks, rain, plants, trees, sand – none of these come with a usage guide. Their imagination takes hold and they start building fantasies of many worlds.
In nature, children have no choice but to figure out how things are and how they can be used and played with, subsequently discovering how things look, smell, move and grow.
It is important to understand that a young child learns a lot through unstructured play in nature. Nature can stimulate creative instincts and sensory development in the child.
Vital sensory play
Today, most children are bound by tight schedules and extracurricular activities. Their first educational interaction is often through a television, tablet or computer.
This is the beginning of many modern problems in children such as the rise in childhood obesity, eyesight deterioration due to continuous exposure to screens and weakened infection resistance and immunity.
Learning through nature is not achieved through an occasional tour of manmade parks but should be a part of everyday life.
The Montessori Method recognises the significance of nature or play-based learning in early childhood years. Every activity is carefully designed to encourage the social, cognitive, emotional and physical abilities of the child.
Time and time again, it has been proven that nature provides a world of opportunities for experiential learning. Most of all, it triggers a sense of curiosity and creativity in children, which helps them develop problem-solving skills required to be successful.
As Dr Maria Montessori writes in her book The Absorbent Mind, “Only through freedom and environmental experience is it practically possible for human development to occur.”
Maximising nature play
The Montessori Method believes that every child is born a sensorial explorer and that is why The children’s house’s (TCH) new U-Thant centre not only incorporates elements of indoor learning but also provides the best environment for outdoor learning for little ones.
Special features of TCH U-Thant include an al fresco dining area, the Atelier Tree, a water play area and a children’s art gallery that naturally inculcate the love for learning.
The Atelier Tree is a special feature of TCH U-Thant. It is an attractive structure designed with glass windows and rooftop. This ensures that your child gets sufficient sunlight and can enjoy the outdoors to gain inspiration for creating art. Their masterpieces will then be displayed in the art gallery to not only appreciate the children’s efforts but also to encourage them to be creative.
We all know that children love playing with water and there is an area dedicated to water play at TCH U-Thant. The environment at the new centre allows your child to move freely and interact with nature. As children interact with the environment and learn to take care of their surroundings, a sense of responsibility and kindness develop.
Eventually, children learn to identify their emotions, express them and respond effectively. They develop an improved sense of selfesteem that drives them to follow their passion and be the best version of themselves.
TCH U-Thant is holding an open day from 10am to 2pm on April 21. Bring your child along for a tour of the new centre and enjoy hands-on activities tailored for the whole family. For more information, call 03-6203 3833.