Unleashing the Power of Play: My Fulfilling Experience at SOS Children's Village Sylhet

Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to be invited by SOS Children's Villages Bangladesh ' #Sylhet to conduct a series of workshops focused on fostering #childrensplayfulness and embracing #NatureBasedPlay . Having previously conducted workshops with this remarkable organization, I accepted the invitation without hesitation. Little did I know that this experience would leave an indelible mark on my heart.

Day 1: Exploring Nature through Playfulness

As I arrived in the early morning, just after a refreshing rain, I was greeted by the serene beauty of a village nestled far from the bustling city. The surroundings were remarkably clean and brimming with vibrant greenery. On the first day, I conducted two workshops—one with children in grades 3-5 and another with grades 6-8.

During these workshops, the children engaged in various nature-based play activities, allowing them to immerse themselves in the wonders of the natural world. They explored their surroundings, created art using natural colors, and even indulged in outdoor play, reveling in the joy that comes from being in nature.

Day 2: Embracing the Importance of Outdoor Play

On the second day, I conducted two more workshops—one with students in grades 9 and 10, and the other with the dedicated mothers who serve as caregivers in the village. The workshop with the older students focused on the significance of outdoor play in an increasingly virtual world. We discussed different types of nature-based play they could engage in with their peers, emphasizing the importance of balance.

in the afternoon, I had the privilege of working with the mothers of the village, who play a pivotal role in nurturing the children. Through various games and activities, we explored techniques to enhance children's attentiveness and their ability to manage through play. The mothers not only listened attentively but also actively participated in the exercises, gaining valuable experiential knowledge.

Day 3: Igniting Creativity and Collaboration

The third day brought three more workshops. The first workshop involved students in grades 11 and 12, who delved into the art of storytelling using natural materials. They learned different storytelling techniques and discovered alternative forms of home-based play, encouraging them to explore beyond the confines of the internet.

The remaining two workshops brought together the youth from SOS Children's Village. We engaged in various team-building exercises, exploring ways to make the learning process more interactive and fun. We also delved into outdoor nature-based play, where the participants immersed themselves in play before transitioning to the learning activities.

A Lasting Impact:

Overall, these seven workshops have left an indelible impression on me. What made this experience truly remarkable was the emphasis on active learning rather than lectures. Through activities, games, sharing, storytelling, and nature-based play, we strived to create an environment where learners could explore, empathize, and have a joyful learning experience.

It is amazing how nature-based play effortlessly fosters brain development, teamwork, imagination, a connection with nature, physical growth, creativity, and educational competencies. Achieving the desired learning outcomes was made possible by integrating these elements seamlessly.

Looking Ahead:

The impact of this workshop series has been profound, not only for the children and youth but also for me personally. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to return to SOS Children's Village and continue exploring new horizons with these remarkable individuals. Together, we can continue to unleash the power of play and nurture a generation of empowered and joyful learners.