On Wednesday, 5 August 2026, the children of TK B Al Siddiq took part in a learning activity at the Natural Materials Centre. During this session, the children were invited to explore a variety of activities using water as a medium for both play and learning. The learning environment was designed to be enjoyable, allowing the children to try, observe, and discover new experiences through activities of their own choice.
Before they began playing, the teacher first explained the rules for activities at the Natural Materials Centre. The children were encouraged to understand how to use the tools and materials safely, keep the play area clean, and return the equipment after use. The teacher then introduced the different activities available and demonstrated simple ways to engage in each one.
After understanding the rules and the activities available, the children were given the opportunity to choose activities according to their interests. Some children chose to measure the volume of water using containers of different sizes, while others experimented with pouring water into bottles. Some were also interested in mixing water of different colours. The children showed great enthusiasm as they tried different ways of exploring water and discovering what would happen as a result of their experiments.
In addition, some children chose to play with water sponges. They dipped the sponges into the water, squeezed them, and observed the water coming out. This simple activity gave the children an opportunity to understand cause and effect while also developing hand strength and coordination. They also learnt to control their hand movements while squeezing the sponge so that the water could be transferred from one place to another.
Water play at the Natural Materials Centre was not simply intended to provide an enjoyable play experience. It also served as a means of developing various skills, including fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, thinking skills, and problem-solving abilities. When the children experimented with measuring water, for example, they began to learn about concepts such as size, more and less, full and empty, as well as comparing volumes through concrete experiences.
Mixing coloured water also gave the children an opportunity to experiment and develop their curiosity. They could observe how colours changed when two different colours were combined. Meanwhile, pouring water into bottles helped the children develop concentration, accuracy, and coordination of movement. Each activity provided a different learning experience while remaining rooted in the principle that children learn through play and direct exploration.
Through this water-play activity, the children of TK B Al Siddiq were not only having fun, but were also given the opportunity to learn from their own experiences. The children were free to choose activities that interested them, while the teacher acted as a facilitator by accompanying, observing, and providing support whenever needed. In this way, the Natural Materials Centre became a space where children could explore, experiment, and develop a wide range of skills through activities that are closely connected to everyday life.
By Inka Amalia, S.Pd