Blending literature with the living world

At Apeejay School, Sector 15, Faridabad, the Pre-primary Wing recently hosted a unique event that brought books and nature together. As part of the school’s Literary Week, a special activity was held to mark Van Mahotsav in a meaningful and age-appropriate way. The goal was simple but powerful: To help young learners connect with nature using stories, senses, and real-world exploration.

The day began with an engaging storytelling session built around the theme of four friends of plants and trees. One of the Pre-primary teachers took on the role of a storyteller and brought the tale to life through dramatic narration. The children sat wide-eyed, taking in the message about the importance of trees, friendship, and caring for the natural world.

Ms Gunjan Sharma, Pre-primary In-charge, shared that this was more than just a fun activity. “Our Pre -primary teacher creatively dramatised a story about four friends of a plant connecting with Van Mahotsav, captivating our young learners. The idea was to build curiosity and a sense of responsibility towards nature. The story was carefully chosen to align with Van Mahotsav, reinforcing the message through relatable characters and simple language,” she said.

Learning through the senses

The storytelling was followed by a sensorial walk. This part of the event allowed students to explore plants and trees up close. They touched the bark, smelled herbs, listened to the rustle of leaves, and observed shapes and colours. Some even got to taste fresh fruits and vegetables from the school’s kitchen garden.

This hands-on experience helped students move beyond classroom learning. By engaging their senses, they were able to understand the texture, form, and presence of plants in their environment. It wasn’t just about knowing the names of trees. It was about recognising their value and role in our lives.

Knowledge rooted in experience

Events like these do more than entertain. They deepen awareness. They show children how learning can come from what’s around them. By linking stories to nature and allowing students to interact with the subject directly, the school gave its youngest learners a meaningful start in environmental understanding.