By Diane Geng | Co-founder & Executive Director
The peach blossoms are out in Houjia Village, where RCEF Teacher Ms. Sun Huimiao works. Last week, she designed a special outing for children and parents to provide a chance for bonding and learning in nature. Ms. Sun's goal was to show rural parents in her community how to cultivate a sense of beauty, observation and creativity in their children from an early age.
The children excitedly danced and ran ahead as the group walked into the fields around the village "looking for signs of spring." Ms. Sun encouraged everyone to use their hands, their noses, their eyes to touch, observe and feel the wheat, peach blossoms, and meadows of vibrant yellow rapeseed flowers. Afterwards, they gathered natural materials -- twigs, petals, leaves -- and made mosaic art projects.
Ms. Sun held a discussion with the parents. "What use does this activity have for your child's development?" Through exercising their powers of observation, the children strengthened their connection with nature and sensitivity to beauty. The parents talked about how young children's learning begin with feeling, and how important it is to activate their all their senses and curiosity.
This kind of activity is all too rare in rural China, but also very suited to the natural environment surrounding rural families. However, it takes inspired and dedicated teachers like Ms. Sun to thoughtfully facilitate and lead. RCEF exists to find and support teachers like Ms. Sun and to share their meaningful work to inspire more teachers in China.
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