Nimi Johnson, Operations Manager for Inspira Kids Sydenham Centre, talks about the importance of ‘learning through play’ to celebrate and shine a spotlight on Sydenham’s Open Day.
Nimi, can you tell us what families can expect at the Sydenham Dinosaur-Themed Open Day on August 24?
The Sydenham Dinosaur-Themed Open Day on August 24 is going to be an adventure-filled day for both children and their parents. We’ve planned a variety of exciting activities that will transport kids back to the age of dinosaurs. From interactive exhibits and dino-themed arts and crafts to fossil digs and educational displays, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. One of the highlights will be our live reptile encounters, where children can see—and even handle—some amazing creatures, offering a glimpse into the fascinating world of dinosaurs.
Children will have the opportunity to handle reptiles at the Open Day. What benefits does this experience provide?
Handling reptiles offers a unique sensory experience that allows children to connect directly with nature. This interaction helps them overcome fears, builds their confidence, and sparks their curiosity about animals and their habitats. By engaging in this hands-on experience, children develop a deeper understanding and respect for living creatures, while also broadening their awareness of the environment and its incredible biodiversity.
How does the Open Day align with Inspira Kids’ philosophy that children learn best through play?
At Inspira Kids, we firmly believe that play is the foundation of all learning. Our Dinosaur-Themed Open Day is crafted to immerse children in a playful, yet educational, environment where their natural curiosity can thrive. Through activities like fossil digging and creative crafts, children will explore new ideas and concepts in a fun and engaging way. This approach perfectly aligns with our philosophy that when children are enjoying themselves, they are more open to learning and discovery.
Can you explain how play fosters a life-long love of learning in children?
Play is a powerful tool for learning. When children play, they’re not just having fun—they’re experimenting, exploring, and discovering the world around them. Through play, they learn to take risks, solve problems, and express their creativity—skills that are essential for life-long learning. By engaging in play, children develop a love for learning that stays with them as they grow, making them curious, resilient, and eager to embrace new experiences throughout their lives.
While the centre provides a safe and nurturing space, why is it important to include “risky play” for early learners?
“Risky play” involves activities that challenge children to explore uncertainty and push their boundaries in a controlled environment. This type of play is crucial for building resilience, problem-solving skills, and self-confidence. At Inspira Kids, we thoughtfully design opportunities for risky play, like balancing, or navigating obstacle courses. These experiences teach children how to assess risks, make decisions, and develop the confidence they need to face challenges in life.
Inspira Kids goes beyond the usual daycare routines. Could you share some examples of the unique experiences offered?
At Inspira Kids, we take pride in offering experiences that go beyond the typical daycare routine. We have variety of themed days where children engage in hands-on experiments, learn about different cultures, and even participate in cooking traditional dishes. These enriching experiences help broaden their horizons and inspire them to see the world from different perspectives.
How does Inspira Kids nurture creativity, self-discovery, and teamwork in its early learners?
We nurture creativity by providing a wide range of materials and opportunities for open-ended play, such as art supplies, building blocks, and role-play costumes. Self-discovery is encouraged through activities that allow children to explore their interests, such as choosing their projects or experimenting with different art forms. Teamwork is fostered through group activities like collaborative art projects, team games, and problem-solving challenges. These experiences help children learn the value of working together and respecting each other’s ideas.
What hands-on activities do children participate in to foster a love and understanding of sustainability?
At Inspira Kids, children engage in various hands-on activities to learn about sustainability. They participate in gardening projects where they plant, water, and harvest vegetables, as well as recycling activities where they learn how to sort and reuse materials.
Why is it important to foster eco-consciousness in children?
Fostering eco-consciousness in children is essential because it lays the groundwork for a sustainable future. When children learn to care for the environment, they develop a lifelong sense of responsibility that influences their actions. By teaching them about sustainability, we empower them to make choices that benefit the planet, helping to nurture a generation that is more mindful of its impact on the world.
What feedback do you receive from parents about the impact Inspira Kids has on their children?
Parents often tell us how much Inspira Kids has positively influenced their children. They’ve noticed increases in confidence, creativity, and a greater curiosity about the world. Many parents share that their children are more engaged in learning, both at the centre and at home, and have developed stronger social skills and friendships. Our play-based learning approach has also been praised for making education a joyful and enriching experience for their children.
What activities, both within the centre and through community excursions, do children seem to enjoy the most?
Children at Inspira Kids thrive on activities that spark their sense of exploration and discovery. Within the centre, they eagerly dive into creative arts, sensory play, and exciting science experiments. Outside the classroom, excursions to local parks, visits to nearby nursing homes, schools, cafes, and hairdressers offer them the chance to connect with and explore their community. We also enrich their experience with incursions, where various professionals share their expertise. Additionally, each week, we hold a fun cooking session that ties into the kindergarten children’s learning of the letter of the week, making education both delicious and memorable.
Who is welcome to attend the Open Day on August 24?
We warmly welcome everyone to join us for the Open Day on August 24! Families with children of all ages, community members, and anyone interested in learning more about Inspira Kids are invited. We especially encourage parents who are considering early childhood education options for their children to come along. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience firsthand what Inspira Kids offers and to share in the joy and excitement of learning through play. We look forward to seeing many new faces, as well as our current families, at this fun-filled event!
Sydenham Dinosaur-Themed Open Day is being held on August 24. You can find out more about it here:
