A Preschool in Japan Lets Kids Be Kids by Collecting Rainwater into Puddles so They Can Play

One of my fondest memories as a child was playing on puddles of rainwater. I bet many would agree that childhood isn’t complete if you haven’t done this once in your life.

Nowadays, I don’t get to see kids of this generation play on puddles during heavy rain. Gadgets have become more interesting rather than exploring the outdoors.

Luckily, there’s a new preschool in Japan that lets kids be kids.

The Dai-Ichi Yochien preschool building located in Kumamoto city has a courtyard that collects rainwater in a big, clean puddle where kids can play and just be kids. Children get to play badminton or softball in the exact courtyard during dry days. As for winter season, the courtyard can be converted into an ice-skating rink.

Designed by architecture, interior and furniture design firm for kids called Youji No Shiro, the preschool’s open plan supports a flexible and unconstrained curriculum. Teachers are encouraged to mix and rearrange different classes using furniture that serves as partitions.