Mud, insects and hiking trails: One teacher’s mission to reconnect children with nature

PUCHONG, June 12 — While most parents opt for playgrounds or shopping malls as weekend destinations, one kindergarten teacher has taken a different approach by introducing children to the wonders of nature through hiking and forest exploration activities.

Farah Zahira Zahari, 39, began organising the programme during the school holidays last December after noticing growing interest among parents who wanted their children to gain experiences beyond the confines of the classroom.

She said activities such as nature walks, clay play and environmental observation are not merely recreational pursuits but also contribute to children’s physical, emotional and social development.

Holding a certificate in Early Childhood Education, Farah Zahira said the idea emerged after friends started asking her to include their children in activities that had initially involved only her own children and close acquaintances.

The mother of five said exposure to the natural environment is increasingly important at a time when children are spending more time on digital devices.

“When they are in the forest, all their senses are engaged. They observe, listen, touch and move. This helps develop hand-eye coordination and naturally stimulates their overall growth without them even realising it,” she told Bernama after a recent Toddlers Forest Exploration programme at Bukit Wawasan here.

She said interacting with soil, mud and insects can also benefit children who have sensory sensitivities or are uncomfortable with getting dirty.

“Some children are initially afraid to touch soil, dislike getting dirty or feel squeamish around insects. However, when they are given the opportunity and encouragement to play freely with soil and mud, they gradually become more confident.

“For me, it is immensely rewarding to see children who were once afraid of getting dirty eventually enjoy exploring nature and trying new things,” she said.

The programme is divided into two groups: children aged two to five, who participate alongside their parents, and those aged six to 12, who take part in group activities.

Farah Zahira said the support of her husband and friend Nur Azura Suib, who is also a Selangor Forestry Mountain Guide, has been instrumental in ensuring the programme runs smoothly.

She said safety remains the top priority, with organisers conducting preliminary site assessments to evaluate trail conditions, emergency access points and telecommunications coverage.

“The biggest challenge is not the children themselves, but parents’ concerns about their children’s safety. However, once we explain the safety procedures and they see how the programme is conducted, most become much more confident,” she said, adding that the programme maintains a ratio of one teacher for every six to seven participants.

Seven-year-old participant Erhan Malique Mohammad Khairul Nizzam from Sekolah Kebangsaan Putrajaya Presint 18(2), who attended with his younger sisters Hessa Eiliyah, five, and Elma Haneeyah, two, described the forest adventure as enjoyable, particularly because of the opportunity to observe various forms of wildlife.

“It was fun because I got to play with clay and climb trees. There are so many things to see in the forest, like mushrooms and insects. I enjoy activities like this because I get to walk through the forest,” he said.

Another participant, Siti Rohaya Aini Abdullah Najib, 32, who brought her children Muhammad Al Fateh, six, and Aaira Raihana, two, said the programme gave them opportunities rarely available in urban living.

“We live in the city and in a high-rise home, so my children seldom have the chance to interact with nature. Activities like this allow them to explore new things and spend quality time with the family,” she said, adding that her husband, Shahrin Mohamad, also joined them.

For single mother Siti Nuruljannah Abdul Rahman, 30, from Setia Alam, the programme provided her only child, two-year-old Muhammad Umar Raees, with a valuable experience beyond the usual playground environment.

“Of course I was a little worried because he is still very young and even had a brief tantrum when he became sleepy. However, I could see that the programme was well managed by the experienced Teacher Farah, and my son seemed to enjoy himself throughout the activities,” said the software engineer. — Bernama