The purpose of this study was to develop a horticulture program to improve the happiness and environmental sensitivity of preschoolers by selecting both indoor and outdoor activities. This study selected 18 five-year-old children in a day care center. For the development of the program, a draft was drawn up after literature review, and a survey was conducted on the director, teachers and parents to find out their awareness and needs. And then the program was finalized by having a discussion with experts in the validity test stage and by conducting a pilot survey. The structure of the hands-on early childhood program was as follows: First, the object of the program was to get interested in nature, to explore and appreciate beauty, to express their ideas using natural things and ultimately to increase their own happiness and environmental sensitivity. Second, the program consisted of the Nuri curriculum segment was composed of five areas: physical activity/health, communication, social relationship, artistic experience, natural inquiry. And six hands-on horticulture activities were selected: cultivating, solid plastic art, cooking using plants, inquiry and expression through the sensory organ, arts and crafts, group activities. As to happiness, seven areas were selected: flow, health, peer relationship, teacher relationship, cognition and achievement, parent relationship, life satisfaction. And three environmental sensitivity areas were selected: sensitivity, aesthetic sense and emotional stability, sympathy and compassion. Third, regarding teaching-learning methods, there were five stages: getting interested, exploring, experiencing, appreciating and sharing experiences. Fourth, as to program evaluation, pre-evaluation and post-evaluation were made to measure happiness and environmental sensitivity, and qualitative evaluation was made as to the Nuri curriculum and the object of the hands-on horticulture activities. This study is of significance in that it developed the horticulture program using hands-on nature activities for age 5 to increase the happiness and environmental sensitivity.
