This pre-school has a giant, outdoor play area where kids learn by playing

In Jurong West, Singapore, the Canadian International School opened an amazing outdoor play area for the youth to experience learning with a more hands-on approach.

The 2,011 square meter discovery center is an outdoor classroom for play-based learning and is intended for children between three and six years of age.  It contains a sound garden, where children can experience the sounds of wind chimes and buckets mounted on walls, large sand and water areas where they can study the effects of measurement and tunnels made out of dirt.

The concept of "purposeful play" has a lot of people excited and is a great way for children to learn.  Communications and marketing head Michelle Sharp reminded us that "early childhood is an incredibly important time for children. A lot of them are growing up in condominiums and don't get a lot of opportunities to play or learn outside."

In addition to the awesome play stations (not the video game consoles) set up around the vicinity, the school also has a vegetable and herb garden where children can learn about the value of farming and growing edible produce.

"Only by interacting with the natural world can children appreciate and learn to care for our environment," said vice-principal Andrea Strachan.