A child and the accompanying adult sand the wooden horse smooth.
The craftsmen in the EBI garden

By Regina Kruse-Özçelik 

Founder of Early Birds Istanbul Kindergarten & Consulting & Author

Anyone who has ever worked in a kindergarten knows that toys and equipment, no matter how good the quality, will eventually wear out. This is actually a good sign, because it means that the children have made maximum use of the items and that the equipment has served its purpose. But nature also plays a role: wooden elements, for example, become soft when exposed to rain, and the ball bearings on tricycles no longer turn.

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

With a few simple tools, our children can complete all these tasks under guidance and supervision. The bike brake needs to be tightened with a wrench, the axle needs a little oil, and 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 urgently need a fresh coat of paint. They are an essential 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 store them for posterity in our Drive folders. With a few dabs of black chalkboard paint, the boards shine like new again in just a few minutes . Let them dry thoroughly, and they're ready for the next drawing, writing, or math exercise.

A child uses a screwdriver to repair a bicycle.
A child paints the blackboard with black paint.
An assistant sands the wooden horse with an electric hand sander.
A child wearing safety goggles and a face mask sands down a wooden horse using a hand sander and with the help of an assistant.

What other repair work can children do?

The wooden horses stand in the garden all year round, and every child has probably ridden them around the world and back again. Some have even flown, because, as if by magic, the horses can also turn into unicorns, airplanes, and other fantastic vehicles. The children quickly realize that wood needs care. The horse's wooden head, which is smooth at first, 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 ride can begin.

A child sands the wooden parts of the birdhouse until they are smooth.
A child cleans the birdhouse with a rag.

The birdhouses that the children built a year ago need to be cleaned. With a screwdriver, pliers, and a little patience, the children dismantle the houses. Sandpaper and an old rag are all that is needed to thoroughly clean the inside and outside. Spring cleaning for these houses is a must! Once everything is sparkling clean, the parts are screwed back together and hung in the trees. Just in time for the next pair of birds that want to build a nest in our EBİ nest.

Our children take care of repairs and maintenance of their play equipment as a matter of course. The EBI team only has to make the necessary arrangements and ensure their safety. This is part of our educational principles at Early Birds Istanbul, and if you are interested, you have come to the right place.