Summer is a time for games, but also for discovery! As part of a themed week at our summer school, students traded the classroom for fresh air, greenery, and sunshine. They embarked on an exciting expedition to the park of the National Sports Academy, turning into real young explorers and botanists.

The main mission of our little discoverers was not just to take a walk, but to collect and later create their own herbarium. With enthusiasm and curiosity, the children explored the local flora, collecting fallen leaves and interesting plants, which they then carefully pressed, classified, and arranged in beautiful little jars.

Learning through experience outside the classroom offers invaluable benefits for children’s development. Here is why making a herbarium in the park is the perfect summer activity:

• Connection with nature and environmental education: In the age of technology, it is crucial for children to spend time outdoors. This activity fosters a respect for the environment and an interest in biodiversity.

• Experiential learning: Instead of just looking at pictures in textbooks, students experienced nature firsthand. They learned to recognize different types of trees and plants by the shape and structure of their leaves.

• Development of fine motor skills and patience: The process of collecting, carefully drying, and arranging fragile leaves requires precision, concentration, and gentleness—skills that are perfectly developed through such creative tasks.

• Teamwork and socialization: The walk in the park and the collaborative work on classifying plants brought the children closer together, stimulated communication, and taught them to help one another.

• Aesthetic sense and creativity: Creating a herbarium is also an art form. Each student had the opportunity to show creativity in arranging their pieces, combining science with visual design.

Summer school can be both educational and incredibly fun. We are proud of our young botanists and the wonderful herbaria they created with their hands and hearts!