Selin Karaca
Poyraz group teacher · garden
She moved to early years after studying agriculture. The vegetable garden and planting day are her work.
In her pocket: a seed envelope, a peg, a pencil
PoyrazAge 4–5 (48–60 months)
The path gets longer, the questions deeper.
For children who know the forest and now ask "why?". In Poyraz the walk is the centre of the day, and every walk has a question. First workshops with real tools, long projects and deciding as a group are this year's work.
At most 14 children, 2 teachers; a 1.2 km walk every day.
Poyraz: the cool, steady north-easterly wind.
The Poyraz group knows the forest. At this age children are no longer content just to play; they wonder why leaves fall, where birds go, where the stream comes from. We turn these questions into projects that last for weeks.
The tool workshop starts in Poyraz. A hand drill, a small saw and a peeling knife are used one-to-one with a teacher, in a set area and with gloves. The rule is simple: tools are not carried while walking and go back to their box when not in use.
Walks and maps
Poyraz children draw a simple map of the school grounds; they learn to read trail markers and what to do if they get lost (stop, call, wait).
Weekly rhythm
- MondayQuestion of the week: circle and plan
- TuesdayLong walk (1–1.5 km)
- WednesdayTool workshop
- ThursdayProject day: observing, drawing, measuring
- FridayCamp kitchen and sharing
The Poyraz teachers
Mert Aydoğdu
Poyraz group teacher · birdwatching
He counts birds at Lake Mogan at weekends. He teaches children to hold binoculars and to wait.
In his pocket: children's binoculars, a notebook