learning through play project

Inspired by the Global Fund for Children’s PEAK initiative which the LEGO Foundation supports, our library has in the last two years incorporated play in our programming. This has greatly improved the children’s learning, attendance and participation in our activities. According to UNICEF, Children play to practice skills, try out possibilities, and discover new challenges, leading to deeper learning. Play allows children to communicate ideas, to understand others through social interaction, paving the way to build deeper understanding and more powerful relationships.
In our context, we have witnessed children learn new languages as a result of play and socialization while learning. In our quest to preserve local languages, play is an important strategy in helping kids develop their linguistic skills. The Playful activities that we provide help children develop their language abilities naturally and enjoyably.  These activities allow children to express themselves through a variety of mediums, such as painting, drawing, native and board games, or imaginative play. Through play, children can engage in meaningful interactions with peers, teachers, instructors and people, which fosters their use of language and storytelling.