The Craftsmen in the EBİ Garden

Anyone who has ever worked in a kindergarten knows that toys and equipment, no matter how great the quality, eventually wear out. This is actually a good sign, as it means the children have used the items to their maximum potential, and that the equipment is fulfilling its purpose. But nature also plays a role, with wooden play elements, for example, becoming soft due to rain, and the ball bearings on tricycles no longer rotating.

When that happens, we know it's time to get to work once again. Our toys and equipment need maintenance!

With a few simple tools, our children can perform all of these tasks under the guidance and supervision of the teachers. The bicycle brake needs to be tightened with a wrench, the axle needs a little oil, and then the bike is ready to ride again. Just a moment: quickly check the tire pressure, put on your helmet, and off you go.

Our chalkboards desperately need a fresh coat of paint. They're an integral part of our environmentally conscious concept, as they help us avoid unnecessary paper consumption. The children draw their artwork, letters, and numbers, with chalk. If necessary, we simply photograph them and keep them in our drive folders for eternity. With a few dabs of black chalkboard paint, the chalkboards shine like new again in just a few minutes. Let them dry thoroughly, and they're ready for the next drawing, writing, or math activity.

The wooden horses are in the garden year-round, and every child has probably ridden them around the world and back again. Some have even flown, because miraculously, the horses also transform into unicorns, airplanes, or other fantastical vehicles. Children quickly realize that the wood needs care. The initially smooth wooden horse head becomes rough over time and needs to be thoroughly sanded and oiled. Equipped with a small electric sander, a face mask, and safety goggles, this is done in no time. Apply a little wood oil, and the next horse ride is ready.

The birdhouses the children built a year ago need to be cleaned. Using a screwdriver, pliers, and a little patience, the teachers disassemble the houses. Sandpaper and an old rag are enough to thoroughly clean the inside and outside. A spring clean of these houses is a must! Once everything is sparkling clean, the pieces are screwed back together and hung in the trees, just in time for the next pair of birds to build a nest in our EBİ nest.

Our children take on repairs and maintenance of their playground equipment as a matter of course. The EBİ team simply needs to make the necessary arrangements and ensure their safety. This is part of our Early Birds Istanbul educational principles!

By Regina Kruse-Özçelik

Early Birds Istanbul Founder