Children were invited to explore natural materials such as sticks, leaves, small branches, and pinecones to create their own “tree” on the ground. The activity was open-ended, allowing children to use their imagination and creativity to design their trees in different ways.

During outdoor play, a small group of children gathered around the natural materials and began arranging sticks vertically to form a tree trunk. One child said, “This is the tree!” while another added leaves on top, saying, “These are the leaves—it’s growing!” The children worked together, sharing materials and discussing their ideas. When their structure fell, they showed persistence by rebuilding it in a different way. I supported their learning by asking questions like, “What can we use to make it stronger?” and “What do trees need to grow?” The children responded by adding more materials and expanding their design.

This learning story represents my belief that children are competent and capable learners who thrive in play-based, open-ended environments. By observing and engaging in meaningful conversations, I was able to extend their thinking and support their learning. This experience also highlights the importance of creating opportunities for children to explore nature and express their ideas freely.