Learning Through Touch and Sight at the Natural Materials Centre
On Monday and Tuesday, 31 August and 1 September 2026, students of Kindergarten A at Al Siddiq International took part in a learning-through-play activity at the Natural Materials Centre. This time, the children were invited to explore a variety of textures and colours through several activities prepared by their teachers. Through hands-on play, the children were able to become familiar with different objects around them by looking, touching, and trying things out for themselves. Before the activity began, the teacher provided an initial briefing. Several rules for playing at the centre were introduced, such as using the tools and materials properly, taking turns during activities, and keeping the play area tidy. The children were also given the opportunity to choose friends to form their groups. Through this process, the children began learning to follow rules while developing positive habits of playing and interacting with others. The teacher then introduced the theme of the activity and invited the children to observe the various objects and materials available in the classroom. Simple explanations were given about the objects, while the children were encouraged to observe their characteristics. They were then given opportunities to discover differences in colour and texture through their own experiences. During the exploration session, the children worked with their group members and took turns trying all the activities prepared by the teacher, including sorting pom-poms by colour, pretend cooking, playing with playdough, painting, and stamping. The children were able to touch, observe, and explore the different materials provided. Through these experiences, they began to discover that objects can have different colours and textures. Some materials felt smooth, rough, soft, or had other interesting characteristics waiting to be explored. The exploration activities provided more than just sensory experiences. They also helped develop the children’s curiosity and observation skills. The children were encouraged to try new things and discover new experiences through play. When touching or observing a particular material, they learnt to use their senses to gather information about the object they were exploring. In addition to learning about textures and colours, working in groups provided valuable opportunities for the children to develop their social skills. They learnt to wait for their turn, share tools and materials, and give their friends opportunities to participate. Simple habits such as taking turns and playing together helped the children learn to respect others and follow agreed rules. Throughout the activity, the teacher provided support and guidance according to the children’s individual needs. The teacher observed their exploration and asked simple questions or provided prompts to encourage them to think further. In this way, the children were not merely following instructions, but were also given opportunities to discover and understand what they experienced during play. Through this activity at the Natural Materials Centre, Kindergarten A students at Al Siddiq International enjoyed a learning experience that was both engaging and meaningful. Exploring textures and colours helped develop their sensory abilities, curiosity, observation skills, and social skills through interaction with their friends. Learning through direct experience gave the children greater freedom to try, discover, and enjoy every part of the learning process.By Inka Amalia, S.Pd





