Horticulture Activity at DWPS Rajkot Promotes Experiential Learning in ECCE
Hands-on Nature-Based Learning for Holistic Early Childhood Development

DWPS Rajkot continues to strengthen its commitment to experiential learning in ECCE (Early Childhood Care and Education) through a thoughtfully designed horticulture activity for its pre-primary students. Under the theme “Learning with Nature”, young learners enthusiastically engaged in planting, watering, observing, and caring for plants within the school campus.

This horticulture-based experiential learning program allowed children to move beyond textbooks and experience learning through direct interaction with soil, seeds, plants, and nature. Students explored basic concepts of plant life in a joyful, age-appropriate, and sensory-rich environment.

The activity perfectly integrated with NEP 2020, which emphasizes play-based, discovery-oriented, and experiential learning in early years.

Learning Objectives

The horticulture activity was designed with the following learning objectives:

• To introduce children to basic plant life concepts such as seeds, roots, stems, leaves, and growth.
• To develop sensory awareness through touch, smell, and observation.
• To instill environmental awareness and responsibility from an early age.
• To enhance fine motor skills through activities like digging, sowing, and watering.
• To promote patience, care, and empathy by nurturing living plants.

Learning Outcomes

Through this hands-on horticulture experience, students demonstrated:

• Improved curiosity and observation skills about nature.
• Better understanding of cause-and-effect relationships (watering helps plants grow).
• Development of life skills such as responsibility, teamwork, and discipline.
• Enhanced language skills, as children learned and used new vocabulary related to plants and nature.
• A positive emotional connection with the environment, supporting social-emotional learning.

Experiential Learning in ECCE at DWPS Rajkot

Experiential learning forms the foundation of ECCE pedagogy at DWPS Rajkot. Activities like horticulture help children learn by doing, feeling, and reflecting, ensuring deeper understanding and long-term retention. Such experiences nurture critical thinking, creativity, and respect for nature—essential skills for lifelong learning.

Mr. Rajeev Ranjan, Principal, DWPS Rajkot, shared his thoughts:

“Experiential learning is the soul of early childhood education. Through horticulture, our young learners connect with nature, understand life processes, and develop responsibility in a natural way. DWPS Rajkot believes that when children learn through experience, learning becomes meaningful, joyful, and lifelong.”

The horticulture activity at DWPS Rajkot stands as a powerful example of best practices in ECCE experiential learning. When a school integrates nature-based education into the curriculum, the school continues to ensure holistic development, environmental sensitivity, and joyful learning experiences for its youngest learners. -“Rajeev Ranjan

Principal

Rajeev Ranjan

Delhi World Public School Rajkot