Sad as it is, children in Singapore are not exposed to Mother Nature as much as they should be.
It's a fact that Singaporean parents would rather have their children read and learn from books and computers, than to take in and learn from what nature has provided us with.
As such, some children grow up not appreciating nature, which leads to them not understanding the need to protect the environment, and hence them harming the environment through their daily activities.
To reverse this and to slow down the damage we are doing to Mother Earth, education is crucial.
Making a difference is all about starting small, and letting that take you to BIGGER and better deeds.
Like what we always say, it takes only a little to make a HUGE difference =)
With that concept in mind, we decided to start small too...
by making a difference in the lives of young children, so that they grow up to be adults with the right values and knowledge.
Yesterday, a group of 120 PCF Bukit Panjang kindergarten students came to GardenAsia.
This is a field trip for them that takes them back to nature.
Look at them, sitting at BlueSky, patiently awaiting for further instructions =)
Children are always thirsty for knowledge, and when Uncle Kenny spoke, everyone paid attention and listened attentively to what he had to share.
Children are inquisitive and spontaneous too...
Something I've noticed?
They like agreeing with EVERYTHING you say =P
Do you have a coconut tree at home? *hands raised*
Do you have a banana tree at home? *hands raised*
Do you have a papaya tree at home? Once again... *hands raised*
Curious. Inquisitive. Spontaneous. Enthusiastic. Optimistic. Cheerful. Innocent.
It's all these characteristics of children that make them so fun and enjoyable to be with.
It's also because of who they are that makes it ideal for us to instill the right values and morals that will be with them as they grow.
Instead of telling them what nature is, how they can protect it and what they can do to make a difference...
WHY NOT SHOW THEM?!
Let's go kids... Uncle Kenny is going to take you for a tour =D
Let's meet one of Morchoo and Titoy's friend...
Say 'Hello' to Mr. Froggo!
Most of these children have probably NEVER seen a live frog before (... unless it's in a fish tank in a restaurant)
But we should never underestimate the courage little kids have...
Most of them were excited about petting Mr. Froggo =D
Kids... what sound does a frog make?
*muuuaackz*
Next, let's make our way to the indoor plant nursery...
When we come in contact with plants, we often use only our sense of sight...
However, we should also use our sense of touch and smell =)
FEEL the texture of the leaves of the mosquito plant...
Now, SMELL the scent it gives off that repels mosquitoes.
What other interesting plants do we have here?
Once taught to feel the plants,
the children were zealously feeling every plant and flower that caught their attention =)
Did you know that dried leaves can be compacted and made into a ball and be used as ornaments and decorations in homes?
Nooo... this is NOT a coconut, it's a ball of dried leaves =)
Over in Morchoo and Titoy's Magical Garden...
... the children put their sense of touch and smell to use once again.
Now they are touching every plant they can get their hands on ^_^
Oooo... what's up there? (Ans: Coconuts)
Let's cross Morchoo and Titoy's bridge now.
Be careful, everybody walk in a single file line...
OK... we've come to the end of the tour...
NOW, IT'S TIME FOR SOME GAMES!!!
Game #1: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
The evil monster has invaded Morchoo and Titoy's favourite golf course...
and she left behind SOOO much trash! What a mess!!
Kids, can you help to clean up this mess by putting the trash into the correct bins?
Plastic... Fabric... Metal... Paper... Which is which??
This game is an interesting and fun way to educate children on the importance of recycling,
as well as teach them how to sort out their trash for recycling.
This is also an effective way to communicate the information as children remember better when it is taught through a hands-on game =)
Game #2: Tree Bark Shading
Let Uncle Kenny show you how it's done...
First, you lay a piece of plain paper flat onto the surface of the tree bark.
Then, you hold your pencil at an angle, and shade with the side of the lead.
Simple! Can you see the difference textures between the bark of 2 different trees?
Now, it's YOUR turn!
Erm... Need a hand over there?
This activity encourages children to be more observant of the little details around them.
It also tells them that even a simple tree bark can have various textures and colours,
and that's the beauty of Mother Nature... all that happens naturally =)
That's all the games for today!
Now, before all of you go...
Let's meet Morchoo and Titoy's other friend, Mr. Wormpy!
Children In Action! Fearless!! =P
The students went on an edutour led by Yve and Alicia...
They got to pet living breathing frogs and mealworms...
... and the students also got to try out tree bark shading at our mini-golf area =D
Everyone let's head over to the man-made hut...
Before the students set off for their Bollywood Quest, Kenny did a short briefing and gave them some instructions.
The other teams were hard at work too... everyone wanted to be the first to complete the quest =D
