Project detail

Educational Center of Kindergarten DUHA Soběslav

In the new design of the school garden in Soběslav, we have reflected all seven colors of the rainbow. That’s exactly how many zones can now be found in this charming and inviting space. Each zone has its own color, symbolizing both its unique purpose and its quality.

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Kindergarten DUHA Soběslav

Number of classes: 11
Number of children: 207
The kindergarten is part of a nationwide program focused on environmental education, which falls under the Pavučina network of environmental education centers.

The school garden – Garden of Seven Colors – has undergone a big transformation. The successful participation of parents, children, and architects in the creation of a completely new garden concept showed everyone’s enthusiasm for the project and the willingness to work together. Each zone is associated with a colour and offers opportunities for exploration, construction, creating work habits, observation, and other activities that are important for everyday life.

The teachers of Soběslav Kindergarten prove every day that education does not have to be limited to the indoor environment – they can bring all activities outside. The classroom curriculum is linked to the outdoor environment, and the kindergarten is actively involved in the development of future teachers. Student teachers have the opportunity to experience first‑hand what it means to teach outdoors, how to use the school garden space effectively, and the impact this approach has on children's health and development.

„"I studied pedagogy and psychology at the Faculty of Arts, Charles University in Prague. As a school principal for almost 36 years, I take great pride in the opportunity to create the concept of our school with my team and to freely create conditions for quality education. In this role I have managed to take the school through a number of changes. Thanks to the renovation of the buildings, we have set up a new organization of the educational process aimed at promoting individualization. The so‑called ‘two‑class’ system created the possibility of paired education 20 years ago. I had the opportunity to participate in a number of important projects, to meet very erudite colleagues and to learn how to prepare a quality project concept with the participation of the parent community. To be part of a transformation that brings joy, quality and benefits to everyone is our way.“

Alena Krejčová

Director of kindergarten DUHA Soběslav

What we did

We projected all seven colours of the rainbow into the new look of the school garden in Soběslav. That's exactly how many zones you will find in this charming and pleasant space. Each zone has its own colour, symbolizing both its unique purpose and its quality.

In the yellow zone we have placed a farm where children can grow plants and keep animals. We chose green for the part that includes buildings, such as blocks and sandboxes. The blue zone then gives children space to explore the local flora and fauna and play different games in the forest environment. We have added some amazing play elements to the seven‑coloured garden, such as a bug pit, a mud pit, and of course, flowerbeds. The most interesting garden feature is the flower‑shaped sound sculpture.

„I think that thanks to the transformation of the garden we have managed to change the concept of environmental education and “infect” many other teachers with a new approach. It helped that we set an example ourselves ‑ we taught the children to observe nature and to carry binoculars everywhere and the various seminars were also useful.“

Teacher of the kindergarten DUHA Soběslav

Garden renewal

2016–2018 (phase 1)

Total Area

5 788 m²

Project selection

Grant call 2015

Project Authors

Lucie Bednářová, Lukáš Urbanec

Budget

1 900 000 CZK (phase 1)

Foundation Financial Support

800 000 CZK

More about the transformation

The kindergarten is on a smaller estate in Soběslav, which also serves the pupils of two nearby primary schools and the special school of Diakonie ČCE Rolnička Soběslav. Therefore, thanks to our transformation, the garden has become an important part of the learning environment for more than 200 children. The zones in the school play area are designed for specific types of activities, including polytechnic and movement education, experiential learning or plant growing. However, the multifunctional space is still very useful as it supports the all‑round development of children.

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