On Tuesday, 9 September, Sunshine Montessori Pre-school in Redhill welcomed the arrival of spring by collaborating with the eThekwini Municipality’s Parks and Gardens Department for a special planting session in and around the school. The initiative, led by school owner and principal Ashna Devnarain, was more than just a gardening day—it was an extension of the school’s educational philosophy.
Sunshine Montessori, which caters to children aged one to six, places strong emphasis on experiential learning. According to Devnarain, the gardening activity is a practical way to teach children about science, nature, empathy, and community involvement. She said: “Each child’s learning abilities are different, and many kids nowadays prefer hands-on learning. This is a perfect way to get kids involved in a playful way and also get in touch with nature.”
The children used child-sized gardening tools and were guided through the planting process, learning the correct techniques while enjoying songs and games related to gardening. The experience supported their physical and sensory development—enhancing fine and gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and sensory awareness through the different smells, textures, and colours of plants and flowers.
One of the most memorable aspects of the project, according to Devnarain, was watching the children’s excitement as they discovered worms in the soil, saw insects and butterflies visit the new garden, and anticipated the growth of their plants. “Watching the process of how seeds sprout and grow into fully fledged trees, flowers, and even fruit is one of the most memorable and exciting experiences children don’t forget. Harvesting their crops—like chillies, lettuce, carrots, and herbs—which they plant at school, adds to their joy and learning.”
The project was supported by the eThekwini Parks and Gardens department and the Redhill Ratepayers and Residents Association, who donated plants and assisted with the session’s success. “We’ve adopted the spot outside the school. This small upliftment is one step toward beautifying our community, and it will be maintained by our learners. It’s a positive way to encourage both children and their parents to get involved in future initiatives around their neighbourhoods.”
Sunshine Montessori is registered with the Department of Health, the Department of Social Development, the Department of Education, and the South African Montessori Association (SAMA).
