At Pass It On Studio, our mission to promote sustainability through creative initiatives led us to collaborate with Nurtured Nest, a Reggio-inspired forest preschool in Singapore, to conduct a seed paper-making workshop. This hands-on experience aimed to teach children about recycling and the life cycle of plants, fostering a deeper connection with nature.
About Nurtured Nest
Nurtured Nest is Singapore's first Reggio-inspired forest school, located in Bukit Timah. Their educational approach combines the Reggio Emilia philosophy with forest schooling principles, emphasizing child-led learning, sustainability, and extensive outdoor play. Children at Nurtured Nest engage in activities that encourage exploration, problem-solving, and a profound respect for the environment.
The Seed Paper-Making Workshop
Our workshop introduced the art of traditional paper-making, transforming old paper waste into seed-infused paper that can be planted to grow new life. The process involved several engaging steps:
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Collecting and Preparing Paper Waste: Children gathered used paper materials, learning the importance of recycling and how everyday items can be repurposed.
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Pulp Creation: The collected paper was torn into small pieces and soaked in water, then blended into a pulp. This step highlighted the transformation of waste into a reusable resource.
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Embedding Seeds: Wildflower seeds were mixed into the pulp, allowing children to choose seeds and understand the potential for growth contained within.
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Forming New Paper: The pulp mixture was spread onto screens, pressed, and dried to create new sheets of seed paper, demonstrating the concept of creating new products from recycled materials.
Learning Outcomes
The workshop provided a multifaceted learning experience:
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Environmental Awareness: Children learned about recycling and sustainability, understanding how their actions can positively impact the planet.
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Hands-On Creativity: Engaging in the paper-making process allowed for creative expression and the development of fine motor skills.
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Understanding Growth Cycles: By embedding seeds into the paper, children connected the concepts of recycling and plant growth, fostering a sense of responsibility for nurturing life.
Planting the Seed Paper
After the workshop, children were encouraged to take their seed paper home and plant it, observing the germination process and growth of plants. This activity extended the learning experience, reinforcing the value of patience, care, and the rewards of sustainable practices.
Conclusion
Our collaboration with Nurtured Nest exemplifies how experiential learning can instill sustainable values in young minds. Through creative workshops like seed paper-making, we aim to inspire the next generation to appreciate and protect the natural world, nurturing a culture of environmental stewardship from an early age.
