The Biggest Project

At Early Birds İstanbul, project-based learning is not just an educational approach—it is a way of life. Over the years, children, teachers, and families have collaborated on countless projects. Now, with a significant and inspiring transition, the school itself has become the ultimate project. Early Birds İstanbul is evolving into Outdoor School İstanbul, a transformation that embodies its philosophy while spreading the seeds of project-based learning across Turkey.

In our project-based learning approach with children, we follow four key steps that guide each project. First, we decide on the goal by identifying a meaningful question or challenge that excites the children. Next, we brainstorm together, where children share their ideas and collaborate. Once we have a range of ideas, we move to sharing and planning, where children help organize tasks, and participate in planning out the project. Finally, we arrive at the presentation of the results, where children proudly showcase what they have created and celebrating their accomplishments.

The evolution from Early Birds İstanbul to Outdoor School İstanbul is guided by the same steps that define project-based learning:

Step A: Decide on the Goal

When Regina decided to move into consulting under the Early Birds name, heartfelt support poured in from the team and parents, who were deeply committed to keeping the spirit of outdoor learning and project-based education alive in Istanbul.

Our biggest project began with a question: How can we ensure this unique philosophy continues to flourish in Istanbul while inspiring other schools across Turkey?

Step B: Brainstorm Together

We came together to brainstorm how best to carry forward the values and traditions of Early Birds İstanbul. After much reflection and discussion, Cansu and I, with Regina’s consultation, decided to take on the responsibility of continuing this legacy under the name Outdoor School Istanbul, a name that beautifully reflects the philosophy at its core.

Meanwhile, Regina dedicated to spreading the principles of project-based learning across Turkey with her consultation project.

Step C: Sharing and Planning

Change requires careful planning, and this transition was no exception. We worked together to map out how Outdoor School Istanbul would retain the essence of Early Birds while introducing fresh possibilities.

Step D: Presentation of the Results

The last but not least step of this exciting journey was marked by sharing the good news with the Early Birds community. This milestone wasn’t just the end of a project—it was the beginning of a new chapter.

Outdoor School Istanbul is now ready to become a symbol of outdoor, project-based learning, inspiring children and families across Istanbul. while Early Birds embarks on its mission to inspire others across Turkey. Together, these two entities will ensure the philosophy of project-based learning continues to thrive and grow.

To conclude, the biggest project is not a single lesson or activity—it is the school itself, growing and evolving to ensure that outdoor learning remains meaningful and alive.

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Tuğçe Kasap Bilaloğlu