Yesterday, we – the Early Years Education programme at Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences – had the opportunity to help organise the opening of the new woodland playground in Elten.
HSRW
During the summer term, we worked with landscape architect Jenny Humrich from Naturleben to design the module ‘Educational Processes in Nature’. She designed the woodland playground, thereby creating a special place of learning. We did not merely reflect on nature-based educational processes in theory; we also experienced the space for ourselves and considered what educational professionals need in order to utilise this space as an educational setting. To this end, the students developed a practical guide for nursery schools and primary schools
For today’s opening ceremony, our students developed various educational activities and facilitated the creative hands-on stations. Whether designing a mandala from natural materials, making forest masks, building marble runs, telling forest stories or working together on the deadwood construction site – everywhere, children were discovering, experimenting and creating. It was impressive to see the curiosity and enthusiasm with which the children embraced the activities and brought the new playground to life from the very first moment.
For me, this project demonstrates once again the potential of practical, project-based and skills-oriented university teaching. With their commitment, creativity and willingness to engage with open-ended processes, the students played a decisive role in shaping this day and demonstrated what is possible when theory and practice come together.
Many thanks to Jenny Humrich for the inspiring collaboration. It was brilliant that she involved us in the final phase of the project, thereby enabling such a valuable space for learning and experience to emerge as a genuine real-world laboratory.
I am particularly delighted by the commitment of Robin Gosens and his ‘Träumen lohnt sich’ foundation, which made the creation of this woodland playground possible. Children need places where they can climb, marvel, discover, retreat, create and experience nature with all their senses. Especially at a time when screens are becoming ever more prevalent, such nature-based spaces are of inestimable value.
A huge thank you goes to Robin Gosens for demonstrating how social commitment can create tangible, valuable spaces for children and highlight the importance of early childhood education. After all, the woodland playground can be used not only by families, but also by nurseries and primary schools! 🌿💚
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