The problem
September is full of beginnings, as is January for many people. In our kindergarten, we also conceive of September as the beginning of a new school year.
The solution we used
We got involved in these projects: Walk to School, Turn Chestnuts into Soap Bubbles, visits to family farms.
Implementation
September marks a fresh start for many. In our kindergarten, we aimed to create a unique September experience, different from the norm. Recognizing that the beginning of the school year can be stressful for children, parents, and teachers alike, we decided to take an alternative approach. In our kindergarten, September is primarily dedicated to physical activity - as it's the healthiest option for humans.
We participated in the "Walk to School" project. The challenge encourages regular walking to school (or using public transport) and aims to make the area around the school safer for everyone. We organize walking trips to nearby parks. This September, our local park hosted a 'Man in Nature' exhibition where our children learned about keeping domestic animals. They attended a lecture on horse care and even had the opportunity to pet the horses.
The first chestnuts are also beginning to appear in our parks. We're involved in a project called "Turn Chestnuts into Soap Bubbles." Did you know that chestnuts naturally contain a high proportion of saponins, which foam when in contact with water and have excellent washing properties? Throughout autumn, we'll be collecting chestnuts at the nursery to observe and attempt to make our own natural soap.
We also visit family farms. Our most recent trip was to a farm in nearby Donin. There, our preschoolers fed rabbits and chickens, petted sheep, and learned about their breeding and benefits for humans. All these activities involve exercise in the fresh air, which is particularly enjoyable in the sunny autumn weather.
When we're not on field trips, we work in the school flowerbeds, harvesting the remaining produce. We happily hand over our harvest to the cooks, who transform it into tasty snacks for us.
