The Power of Personal Projects: Growth Through Creativity and Exploration

In our school, we believe that true learning happens when children are given the space to explore their interests and follow their curiosity. That’s why personal projects are an essential part of our weekly rhythm—not as a “subject” or a requirement, but as an invitation. An invitation to dive into something meaningful, to create from their imagination, and to discover more about who they are in the process.

It All Started with Monopoly

One day, a group of children came together with a shared idea: “Let’s make our own Monopoly game.” What began as a casual suggestion quickly turned into a multi-week adventure—one that would become a perfect example of how powerful personal initiatives can be.

They started by planning together—discussing how the board should look, what kind of theme their version of Monopoly would follow, and how the spaces would work. Everyone had a role. Some children drew the board, carefully measuring and sketching each square. Others painted it, mixing colors and decorating with creativity and pride.

Then came the cards all designed and handwritten by the children. They crafted their own playing pieces out of cardboard, each one full of character. Finally, they wrote a set of instructions, describing the rules clearly in their own words and writing. To protect all their work, they laminated everything. And when the game was complete, they proudly took turns bringing it home to share and play with their families.

This wasn’t just a game. It was a lesson in cooperation, planning, writing, patience, and joyful commitment.

Freedom to Choose, Space to Grow

Whether working in groups or on their own, children are encouraged to find a project that sparks their interest. Some decide to make puzzles. Others build board games or create illustrated books and guides. Each idea is theirs—from concept to creation—and that ownership transforms their motivation.

These projects give children the chance to take initiative and follow through. They learn that ideas take time, that things don’t always go smoothly, and that revisiting and refining are part of the process. They begin to understand that completing something they care about feels good—not because it’s fast or perfect, but because it’s theirs.

We encourage the children to see their projects through to completion—not to rush, but to experience what it means to accomplish something meaningful. This cultivates patience, focus, and a quiet kind of confidence that grows when children realize they can bring an idea all the way to life.

Deeper Learning Through Passion

One of the most delightful outcomes has been the creation of guidebooks. Children have written guides based on their favorite books, animals, or even anime characters. They research, ask questions, and reflect on what they love most—whether it’s a magical creature, a real-life jungle animal, or a character from a story they admire.

This kind of work encourages deeper learning and understanding, not just of the subject, but of how they think and express themselves. Writing these guides becomes a natural way to practice storytelling, factual writing, critical thinking, and artistic presentation—all while engaging with something they care deeply about.

More Than a Project

Behind every personal project is the quiet work of emotional growth. Children learn to manage frustration, to ask for help, to listen and collaborate. They feel the joy of independence and the reward of persistence. They learn that their voice matters, their choices shape outcomes, and that effort itself is something to celebrate.

And perhaps most importantly, they learn to follow their own path. With space, trust, and encouragement, children become not just learners—but creators, thinkers, and doers.