Since we are living in 21st century which focuses on real-life problems, so life-related activities encourage learners to hone their observation skills, analyze results. Scientific thinking helps learners to develop the critical-thinking skills, and helps them become better problem solvers. So, we try to make a bridge between the story and play. This process can be performed in a home environment.
The solution is STEAM based play. Yes, we have a play-model and a play-routine for the weekend play program. Through our programs we give inputs to both children and parents and the parents share it with the rest of the family members. We have 3 different play programs on Fridays & Saturdays. 1st group of children play with their parents. The age of the children are 3 to 5 years old. And they do not have any separation practice with their parents. 2nd group of children play independently. The age of the children are 3 to 5 years old. 3rd group of children age from 5+ to 8 years old. This group of children play using STEAM learning approach in an advance level through art, puppet and drama. We have created our own play materials. This particular material is named “STEAM board” and has a designing option using a magic writing board. Children can draw something, do the counting, check the balance, learn about force and power of air. We have also developed additional play materials.
Shoishob first started as a online platform which started its journey in the year sept 4, 2019. Later in the year 2022 a play-based learning center started its journey . So, I started developing this innovative concept and started going to different schools and doing the pilot. Through the pilot result I could know that I can move forward and make a place where children can come and play and learn in an innovative way. A link of my school workshops and visits can be found here-https://www.shoishob.xyz/organizational-workshop/ . So, for last 3 years we have promoted STEAM concepts to the teachers, parents and children. In next 2 to 3 years we have targeted the goal to initiate robotics, astronomy and coding for the early learners and we plan to do it by designing our own curriculum.
By following steps: survey the area, environment, children, teacher and parents' needs; explain the local cultural habit, food habit helps us to find the right materials for the local people; the reading ability of the teachers and parents; the income of parents so that low cost or locally available materials can be selected; select the age range of children; selection of a suitable story .
