Resources focus on learning through play
SESAME Workshop and the LEGO Foundation have teamed up to launch educational resources that unlock the power of play to bring about transformative learning experiences.
The “Play Well and Be Happy” materials, launched last week, will be distributed to 1000 registered early childhood development sites throughout the Eastern Cape, targeting 60000 Grade R pupils and caregivers. Teachers will also be trained to understand and adopt learning through play concepts.
LEGO Foundation vice- president Kasper Kanstrup said: “Learning through play is not just motivating and fun for children.
“A growing body of evidence shows how play builds a range of essential life skills such as problem-solving and communication, as well as laying the foundation for better grasping of core subject skills.
“We are excited to bring play materials and training for practitioners supporting children in the Eastern Cape.”
Materials featuring the lovable Takalani Sesame characters include LEGO Duplo bricks, activity booklets, an educational play mat, caregiver guides, picture books promoting literacy and maths skills, maths cards and finger puppets.
Mdantsane’s Shad Mashologu Junior Primary School’s principal Mthetheleli Muene, who was present at the launch of the materials with 20 Grade R pupils from the school, said he was impressed with the usefulness of the materials for learning.
“The resources give children the opportunity to develop their creativity because they are able to design what they like. Then when they explain to their teachers about what they have built, it helps them to express themselves,” Muene said.
The roll-out of resources will be done in three phases in order to determine how to best distribute them and train educators.
The resources build off the success of previous Takalani Sesame community engagement materials used in the province for more than two years, aiming to promote literacy, mathematics, health, hygiene and other cognitive skills.
