Amidst the hustle and bustle of the city lies a hidden gem—Squad Early Years in Medavakkam that not only embraces the urban rhythm but also offers a serene escape into nature. Our recent Farm Day event was a perfect demonstration of how traditional farming activities can blend seamlessly with modern educational concepts to create an enriching environment for young learners. This half-a-day event allowed children to explore the world of organic farming, rice milling, roti dough making, and even math-enhancing water play in a duck pond while celebrating the traditional art of shadow play and the adventure of underground vegetable harvesting.
The Journey Begins: The Spirit of Organic Farming
The day started on a crisp morning interlaced with anticipation. Our preschool in medavakkam campus, nestled amid the urban landscape, transforms itself into a miniature farm—a refreshing oasis where nature thrives. The children, brimming with excitement, gathered at the entrance where they were greeted by the warm smiles of our dedicated educators. The activity began with an introduction to organic farming, where our little ones learned about eco-friendly practices and the importance of cultivating food without the use of synthetic chemicals.
Under the guidance of our expert teachers, the youngsters participated in soil preparation and planting a variety of herbs and vegetables. They felt the cool, moisture-rich soil under their hands and closely observed the tiny seeds being carefully placed into the earth. In doing so, they not only discovered the life cycle of plants but also the essential role that organic practices play in protecting our environment. Each child was given a tiny spade and a watering can, making the process both interactive and personal, fostering a sense of responsibility towards nature.
Rice Milling: From Grain to Greatness
Next on the agenda was rice milling—a traditional process that has nourished communities for generations. In a modern twist, we introduced the children to both historical and contemporary milling techniques. Our educators demonstrated the process using manual hand mills and modern machinery, ensuring that the kids understood the evolution of this essential agricultural practice.
The children were given the opportunity to try their hand at operating a small, manually-powered rice mill. They marveled at how the hard kernels transformed into the soft, edible grain which would eventually become part of their meals at home. This activity was not just about the mechanics of rice milling; it also highlighted the importance of persistence, teamwork, and innovation in transforming raw materials into something valuable. The tactile experience gave the children a deeper, sensory understanding of where their food comes from.
Roti Dough Making: A Tactile Culinary Adventure
Following the rice milling session, our little farmers moved on to the warm and inviting art of roti dough making. This segment of the day was designed to engage the children’s senses, allowing them to feel the soft dough and experience the joy of kneading it into shape. The process of roti making is a time-honored tradition, symbolizing the unification of skill and cultural heritage.
During the activity, our educators narrated stories of how roti has been a staple in many households, evoking memories of family kitchens and communal gatherings. Each child was given a small portion of dough to work with, encouraging individual creativity and teamwork as they learned to roll the dough into perfect circles. The aroma of freshly kneaded dough filled the outdoor space, enhancing the sensory experience and reinforcing the idea that learning with one’s senses can be both fun and deeply educational.
Shadow Play: Bringing Farm Animals to Life
As the sun began to lower in the sky, shifting the energy to a more relaxed pace, the children gathered for a captivating session of shadow play. Under the guidance of our creative arts teacher, the children used a simple light source to cast shadows of various farm animals on a large white wall. The project allowed them to explore the fascinating intersection between art and storytelling.
Using simple props and their own imaginations, the children created shadow images of cows, chickens, pigs, and even goats. This activity not only fostered creativity but also enhanced their cognitive skills by associating shapes and movements with the animals they were learning about. The educator explained how traditional cultures used shadow play as a form of storytelling, passing down myths and legends through generations. Thus, the children connected a playful art form with historical and cultural narratives, merging sensory learning with ancient practices.
Children exploring shadow play and projection – a magical mix of science and creativity that lights up their curiosity!
Water Play in the Duck Pond: Learning Math in Motion
The next phase of Farm Day led the enthusiastic learners to the duck pond. Unlike a typical splash zone, this pond was specially designed as an interactive learning module. The water play session was a multi-sensory experience aimed at introducing basic mathematical concepts. Floating ducks, numbered pegs, and strategically placed measuring cups allowed the children to engage with numbers and patterns in a fun, playful environment.
Under the supervision of the class teacher, children participated in simple arithmetic games. They counted the number of ducks, measured the chase of floating objects, and even caught the ducks using net. Parents watching from a distance admired how the pond not only stimulated mathematical thinking but also enhanced fine motor skills through playful manipulation of objects. It was clear that every splash was a learning opportunity, beautifully bridging tactile play with foundational math concepts.
Water play isn’t just fun – it’s a perfect way to build motor skills, teamwork, and loads of laughter!
Harvesting Underground Vegetables: The Hidden Treasures Beneath
One of the most exciting parts of the day was the adventure into the underground—harvesting hidden treasures in the form of root vegetables. Under careful supervision, the children were led to a specially prepared garden bed featuring crops like potatoes, onions, garlic. The goal was to uncover how food grows beneath the surface, emphasizing the concept that not all produce is immediately visible above ground.
This part of Farm Day was as much about scientific discovery as it was about developing a connection to the food we eat. The experience taught the children about the root systems of plants, soil layers, and even the healthy microorganisms that live in the earth. The activity was hands-on: each child dug carefully with child-friendly tools, revealing the complex hidden world beneath. Excitement bubbled in every smile as they uncovered colorful roots, sparking discussions about nutrition, biology, and the symbiotic relationship between soil and plant health.
Sowing seeds and learning where our food comes from—one scoop at a time!
Outdoor and Nature Play: The Best of Both Urban and Rural Worlds
What makes our preschool truly unique is its location—a sanctuary nestled amidst the city. While urban life is often characterized by its concrete jungles and fast pace, our campus offers an escape into verdant fields and fresh air, demonstrating that children benefit immensely from nature-based learning regardless of their urban surroundings. The day was punctuated with ample opportunities for free outdoor play, where the children could run, explore, and enjoy unstructured time in nature.
This balance of structured educational activities and open-ended play allowed the children to bond with nature, fostering a sense of wonder and respect for the environment. Activities like tracking butterflies in the garden, arranging natural elements into creative patterns, and simply feeling the breeze transformed what might otherwise have been just another school day into a multifaceted adventure of discovery. Children learned that traditional farming techniques are not relics of the past but are living practices that harmonize beautifully with modern educational methodologies.
Connecting the Past with the Future: The Educational Insights
Throughout Farm Day, educators emphasized the timeless connection between traditional practices and modern science. The activities were designed to be multi-sensory, offering touch, sound, sight, and even taste as learning aids. Whether it was the gritty feel of soil, the rhythmic motion of kneaded dough, or the reflective silence of a shadow play, every experience was a bridge to more complex educational ideas.
Modern education is not solely about sitting in a classroom and absorbing facts; it is about engaging with the world in a way that empowers critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence. Our Farm Day was a testament to this philosophy. The children not only learned about agriculture and food processing but also gained insights into environmental sustainability, the importance of local food systems, and even early numeracy skills—all while being immersed in nature.
By blending traditional farming activities with contemporary hands-on learning experiences, our preschool in Medavakkam encourages a holistic educational approach. This method ensures every child develops a well-rounded understanding of the world, one that honors both the past and present, making them not just better students but also more aware, empathetic citizens of the future.
Parental Reflections: A New Alternative in Urban Preschool Programs
For parents exploring alternative preschool programs in city areas, events like Farm Day provide a clear picture of a learning environment that goes beyond conventional classroom teaching. The deliberate blend of organic farming, traditional skills, and modern educational strategies ensures that children are not only well-versed in academic concepts but also environmentally conscious and culturally rich. Many parents expressed their gratitude for such meaningful experiences that prepare their children for life in both urban and natural settings.
Feedback from parents has been overwhelmingly positive. They appreciate the practical application of classroom lessons in real-world scenarios—transforming abstract concepts into tangible activities. The renewed focus on sensory learning, environmental interaction, and traditional practices builds a foundation for future academic success and lifelong learning.
This innovative approach reassures parents that even in the heart of the city, their children can still enjoy the best of both worlds. At our preschool, nature is not confined to textbooks; it is a dynamic, interactive classroom filled with endless possibilities for growth and exploration.
Embracing a Future Rooted in Tradition
Farm Day at our preschool was far more than a simple day of outdoor activities—it was a celebration of nature, culture, and the intrinsic link between traditional farming practices and modern learning methods. The day’s activities, ranging from organic farming to playful math in the duck pond, underscored the importance of hands-on, sensory-based education designed to ignite curiosity and foster deep connections with our surroundings.
As we continue to navigate the complexities of modern urban life, our approach to education reminds us that even amidst concrete and commotion, there is always room for nature, tradition, and a touch of history. Our preschool serves as a beacon for innovative educational programs—proving that learning can be as organic, diverse, and nurturing as the earth itself.
