Learning through play with upcycled toys
The toys encourage children to use their imaginations as well as assisting in developing crucial skills.
CARE Givers and mothers from the Sea Cow Lake community enjoyed a day of learning as specialists visited the Sea Cow Lake clinic to talk about Early Childhood Development (ECD).
Community members learnt how to upcycle plastic bottles, egg containers, toilet rolls and packets to create toys to assist children to develop crucial skills.
The initiative was jointly organised by a trio of fourth year occupational therapy students from UKZN and Sinakwenza, an organisation that specialises in ECD and learning through play.
“I go into different crèches and provide them with a mentorship programme which includes lesson plans, and a waste to toys workshop to teach educators how to create and use toys to help the children learn skills,” said Singakwenza ECD trainer, Thoko Shelembe who was showing the care givers how a game of catch using a cut off 2 litre cool drink bottle and make shift plastic-packet-ball could help children to learn hand eye coronation.
Also read: Learners plummet off 5m bridge
Kiara Hansraj, an OT student from UKZN, said play is important for cognitive and physical development.
“We are working with the crèche owner to teach her how to take one activity and adapt it for various age groups,” she said.
“We also want to provide sustainable toys and that’s why we are hosting this workshop to teach caregivers how to replenish and replace toys,” added fellow student, Shelley Comrice.
Completing the UKZN trio was Farzana Vadia.
Lindi Mnguni, owner Siyazizanna crèche, said the toys were a real help to her in the classroom.
“The children enjoy playing with these toys. Before they had nothing, they were just playing in the sand,” she said.
Also read: Entries for CITYSURFRUN open on 1 June
“It was a pleasure to be here and support the work of the Occupational Therapists. I admire them looking for the individuals in the community to bring to the clinic. Even overall on the weekdays I am so fascinated by their work, love and respect they give to the people around here. And I hope they will keep up the good work,” added Swami Maitreyi who lives on the clinic premises.
For more from Northglen News follow us on Facebook or Twitter. You can also follow us on Instagram
