Garden Discovery Week Brings Nature Indoors

Garden Discovery Week has become a much-loved tradition at Sunshine Child-Care Nursery, and this year our children transformed the indoor classrooms into a mini woodland wonderland. From the second the doors opened, baskets of herbs, seed pods, and freshly picked flowers invited curious minds to explore the colours, textures, and scents of spring. The aim was simple: give our little learners the freedom to experiment while quietly practising early science skills such as observation, sorting, and predicting what might grow next.

Each room set up its own “wonder station.” Toddlers mixed mud pies and sprinkled bird-friendly seeds, preschoolers used magnifying glasses to study wriggly worms, and our oldest children designed rain catchers to record the week’s weather. Educators added gentle provocations—story stones, recipe cards for petal perfume, and loose parts for building fairy homes—so that every play moment also nurtured language, collaboration, and confidence.

“My son hasn’t stopped talking about caring for the seedlings. He now reminds us to water the tomatoes at home every morning!” — Priya, Sunshine parent

Friday ended with a family picnic on the lawn where children proudly shared the journal entries and sketches they had been compiling all week. Our kitchen team joined the fun with garden veggie muffins and berry smoothies, showing families how we keep mealtimes fresh and nourishing. The laughter (and a few muddy knees) told us everything we needed to know—the children felt brave, busy, and very loved.

Highlights from the week

• Mini Gardeners Club planted sensory herb pots for every classroom.
• Outdoor Storytellers turned the climbing frame into a pirate ship bound for “Leafy Lagoon.”
• Chef-for-a-Day helpers chopped soft veggies for soup, practising safe knife grip.

Next month we will build on this excitement with a “Homes Around the World” theme, inviting families to send photos of favourite traditions and comfort foods. If you would like to volunteer, lend props, or simply chat about how your child is settling, please speak to your key person or email the office—we love partnering with you.