Gecko Garden School Blog
A new page sharing highlights, bits and pieces happening within the school and community.
Warmth, Wonders & Community: Our Mid-Autumn Fair!
On September 19th, our school grounds blossomed into a vibrant village of music, laughter, and seasonal warmth for our annual Mid-Autumn Community Fair. Under a gentle autumn sky—blessed with weather that was neither too hot nor rainy—families, friends, and neighbors gathered to share in a magical day together.
The morning opened to the enchanting world of our fairytale puppet show, which drew wide-eyed audiences for both its morning and afternoon performances. As the day unfolded, music drifted through the air, with acoustic guitar tunes and lively stage performances filling the grounds. It was especially heartwarming to watch returning Gecko Garden alumni take the stage, singing and dancing for the community that helped raise them.
Every corner of the school hummed with life and creativity. At the Children’s Garage Sale, our young learners proudly stepped into the shoes of little shopkeepers, practicing the fine art of selling, negotiating, and bargaining alongside their parents. Nearby, local artisans and our very own Gecko Garden teachers showcased handcrafted treasures—from delicate jewelry, woven bags, and hand-poured candles to vibrant potted plants and cozy knitted goods.
Alongside delicious bites from local small business, guests gathered to enjoy a cherished Gecko Garden tradition: warm, homemade vegetable soup paired with fresh bread. Made using the exact same recipe our children lovingly prepare each week, it was a comforting taste of our school rhythm.
Throughout the afternoon, children dove into hands-on autumn crafts. Little hands painted vibrant canvases, folded colorful paper lanterns, and crafted playful bunny headbands, while face painting transformed smiling faces across the lawn. Before heading home, visitors picked up sweet parting gifts—tiny seedlings tucked inside eggshells and packets of seeds ready to sprout in home gardens.
Most touching of all was the spirit of giving that wove through the entire day. Together as a community, we gathered a bountiful collection of donated supplies and essential items for the National Center for Infants and Children. Thanks to the enthusiasm surrounding our raffle draws—and the generosity of our wonderful raffle sponsors—we also raised over $100 from ticket sales to donate directly to the center.
To every family, volunteer, vendor, and sponsor who stepped onto our grounds and contributed their warmth and energy: thank you for making our Mid-Autumn Fair such an unforgettable celebration of community.
Special Thanks to our Raffle Sponsors: Compass Mexican Food and Drinks, Casa Diego, D’Wilkins, Casa Sach Krok Gourmet, Phnom Penh Yacht Club, MagiK Glow, Cambodia Knits, Daiku, Gelato Farm KH, Hungry Tigers, Himawari Hotel and Apartments, and Banjaran Asset Management
What does Free Play really mean?
When a wheelbarrow full of bricks becomes a bridge, a ramp, or a construction site, real magic happens! 🪵✨ At Gecko Garden School, we believe that unstructured, child-initiated play is not just a break from learning—it is the learning. While mainstream, academically focused preschools often push rigid worksheets and early screen time, we dedicate intentional time and space for rich, unstructured play in nature every single day. When children are free to explore open-ended materials like sticks, sand, and garden tools, they build critical thinking, independence, and spatial awareness far beyond what traditional classroom drilling can offer. They become self-directed engineers and creative problem-solvers on their own terms. The science deeply supports this approach 🧠💡 As research highlighted by the American Academy of Pediatrics shows: "Play is essential to development because it contributes to the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being of children and youth... Undirected play allows children to learn how to work in groups, to share, to negotiate, to resolve conflicts, and to learn self-advocacy skills." Giving children the freedom to create, test, and imagine outdoors gives them the strongest possible foundation for life.
September 3, 2026