When we understand how children learn, we can teach them better.
Recently, ChikuPiku Foundation conducted a teacher enrichment session for the educators at New Vision, an organisation working with children of construction workers through around 25 centres in and around Pune. The session brought together neuroscience, learning theory and the practical power of stories.
Dr. Dinesh Nehete introduced the teachers to the basics of brain-based learning, how the brain develops and learns through different inputs, and how an understanding of constructivism can influence the way we engage with children.
We then brought the conversation closer to our own work at ChikuPiku.com, our journey, our philosophy, and our belief in creating meaningful learning experiences in a child’s mother tongue. Jui Chitale then explored the Multiple Intelligences framework and how different forms of intelligence can be nurtured in everyday interactions.
Through a live storytelling demonstration, Amruta Kawankar showed how a simple story, supported by songs, pictures and participation, can become much more than entertainment and can create opportunities for learning, imagination and brain development in children aged 0–6.
What made the session particularly meaningful was the teachers’ enthusiasm and participation. Most of them already use ChikuPiku in their centres, and it was wonderful to build on that familiarity with new perspectives and possibilities.
We hope the ideas shared in this session travel beyond the classroom through the teachers, into their centres, and ultimately into the everyday experiences of many more children!
