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SUMMER
2013
11
known and familiar friend, something they care naturally for, only
then, will they respect and help protect the environment.They will
hopefully act for an environmentally sustainable future.”
The syllabus for the day had been studied carefully: The science
lesson consists of using the five senses, math by adding up sticks
and stones, Arabic by naming and writing the Arabic terminology
of collected objects, art by creating portraits from items found on
the ground and music by rubbing stones or sticks to create a specific
rhythm. As for the library, the children were in for a treat as librar-
ian Nayla Ejjeh reenacted the story of Fossifou who destroys and
then rebuilds nature.
The children ran from one ‘class’ to another eagerly. Any qualms about
sitting or lying down on the rough ground were quickly overcome.
“There was a time when holidays consisted of a summer in the
mountains and letting the kids run wild in the woods,” said Arabic
teacher Hanan Khansa. “Now parents are quick to take the kids
travelling all the time.They are missing out on nature.”
Indeed, by the look of things, the preschoolers seemed to be enjoy-
ing their ‘classes’ held in various corners of the forest.
“I like it here,” said Layana Hoss, 6, as she carefully inspected the
petals of a flower with a magnifying glass. “I like flowers.”
At the day’s end, no one seemed in a particular hurry to leave.
“I wish we could always have classes here,” said Maher Haidar, 5.
Unfortunately, Beirut was calling. Students piled back on the bus.
For better or for worse, they were city children again.
in Nature