This week we came bearing gifts, so to speak :)
Although we have been discussing the importance of engaging, open-ended activities, our teachers still were not able to carry out many activities due to lack of materials. Over the last few weeks, our U.S. volunteers have been gathering materials from various places around Hyderabad to donate to the few schools currently supported by our organization.
During the trainings, we presented the materials to the teachers and then discussed each individual toy or object, its possible uses in the classroom, and how it aides in healthy child development.
For example, we were very excited to bring our teachers play dough kits and teach them about all of the learning benefits that play dough can bring young children. When a child uses play dough, they are not simply creating something with no purpose. They are making small representations of real world objects, which is a great way to show abstract thinking skills. They are using their independence and creativity, which in turn leads to a sense of accomplishment and competence. Children are also strengthening the small muscles in their hands, which leads into being able to write and draw. They are able to release stress and anxiety by manipulating the dough, which can be very therapeutic for a child who is feeling overwhelmed. A child can also learn math and science skills through play dough while they are observing how the material moves and changes, and while they are counting, measuring, and sorting their creations. The possibilities are endless.
Not only did we bring the teachers store-bought materials, but we discussed the importance of authentic and real objects. We saved egg cartons, old boxes, magnetic objects, string, rubber bands, and many other materials for the teachers to use as aides. We also discussed how they can bring in old cooking utensils, old clothing, and old appliances from home (that would otherwise be recycled) for their children to use for dramatic play or during a small or large group time activity. When an object is something real that the child sees in their everyday life, their learning becomes that much more real. They are better able to connect to their world.
Here are some photos of our volunteers and teachers during one of the trainings this past week, and even some children using the new materials:
Although we have been discussing the importance of engaging, open-ended activities, our teachers still were not able to carry out many activities due to lack of materials. Over the last few weeks, our U.S. volunteers have been gathering materials from various places around Hyderabad to donate to the few schools currently supported by our organization.
During the trainings, we presented the materials to the teachers and then discussed each individual toy or object, its possible uses in the classroom, and how it aides in healthy child development.
For example, we were very excited to bring our teachers play dough kits and teach them about all of the learning benefits that play dough can bring young children. When a child uses play dough, they are not simply creating something with no purpose. They are making small representations of real world objects, which is a great way to show abstract thinking skills. They are using their independence and creativity, which in turn leads to a sense of accomplishment and competence. Children are also strengthening the small muscles in their hands, which leads into being able to write and draw. They are able to release stress and anxiety by manipulating the dough, which can be very therapeutic for a child who is feeling overwhelmed. A child can also learn math and science skills through play dough while they are observing how the material moves and changes, and while they are counting, measuring, and sorting their creations. The possibilities are endless.
Not only did we bring the teachers store-bought materials, but we discussed the importance of authentic and real objects. We saved egg cartons, old boxes, magnetic objects, string, rubber bands, and many other materials for the teachers to use as aides. We also discussed how they can bring in old cooking utensils, old clothing, and old appliances from home (that would otherwise be recycled) for their children to use for dramatic play or during a small or large group time activity. When an object is something real that the child sees in their everyday life, their learning becomes that much more real. They are better able to connect to their world.
Here are some photos of our volunteers and teachers during one of the trainings this past week, and even some children using the new materials:
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