Little Hands, Big Growth: EY2 Students Nurture Plants and Values

Learning often goes beyond classrooms, connecting children with the world around them. Recently, two of Early Years students in BINUS SCHOOL enjoyed an enriching planting session led by Ms. Jocelyn Modejar, EY&EL Affective Coordinator & PYP Vice Principal. The activity combined hands-on exploration with the BINUS SPIRIT values, nurturing both socio-emotional growth and essential life skills.

Learning Through Nature
What might seem like a simple activity was thoughtfully designed to support emotional development and well-being. Students were introduced to two different types of soil, comparing textures, colors, and functions. With curiosity sparked, they eagerly touched and explored the soil, engaging their senses in a natural way.

Using hand shovels and polybags, children prepared the soil and selected their favorite fruit plants, cucumber, watermelon, and more. Choosing their own plant gave them a sense of ownership, motivating them to care for it as it grows. Each step, starting from digging, planting, and watering, fostered patience, responsibility, and teamwork, while also strengthening fine motor skills and coordination.

Building Skills Through Play
The session went beyond gardening, laying foundations for scientific inquiry. Students observed the planting process, learning that seeds need time, care, and the right conditions to grow. These simple observations introduced them to concepts of life cycles and living things, sharpening their observation and problem-solving skills.

At the same time, the activity encouraged socio-emotional learning. From empathy in caring for their plants, to perseverance in nurturing growth, students connected learning with responsibility and appreciation for nature. Laughter and curiosity filled the classroom garden, creating a positive and collaborative atmosphere.

Nurturing BINUS SPIRIT
Through this hands-on experience, the young Binusians demonstrated several values central to the BINUS SPIRIT—Responsibility, Integrity, Teamwork, Striving for Excellence, and Innovation. By caring for their chosen plants, they practiced responsibility; by observing patiently, they built perseverance; and by working together, they strengthened teamwork and communication.

Planting Seeds of Lifelong Learning
Beyond developing motor and sensory skills, the activity encouraged children to be present in their environment and step away from digital distractions. It cultivated a deeper bond with nature while enhancing essential learning capacities.

As the plants grow, so too will the students’ sense of responsibility and curiosity, qualities that will guide them through their future learning journey. At BINUS SCHOOL Simprug, experiences like these ensure that education is not only about knowledge but also about nurturing the skills and values needed to thrive in life.

BINUS SCHOOL Surabaya is committed to providing the best international learning environment in Surabaya, East Java, with a high-quality curriculum and internationally qualified teachers, from Early Years through to the Secondary Programme. BINUS SCHOOL Surabaya empowers the future with digital excellence, personalised learning experiences, and a strong focus on student wellbeing.