Mumbai June: Children learn as they play. Most importantly, in play, children learn to learn.
The children of today are the beacons of hope for tomorrow. Just as every living entity needs the right fodder to survive, our children can become well-rounded adults only if we make an effort to stimulate their curious minds. And that’s where learning comes in. Learning can be imparted in a variety of ways, but when delivered in a play way method, it’s a win-win for both parents and children. That’s when learning doesn’t feel like a chore, but rather a joyful routine that kids will always look forward to. And that’s how Playseum, Mumbai’s first children’s museum, was born in Mumbai.
“Children learn by imagining and doing. They learn by talking about concepts in their own words—when they are allowed to express themselves in the way that they have learned, by observing people and exploring the world around them.” With this in mind, Meera Sheth was driven with the aim to spark curiosity and encourage learning in children. She was determined to provide her children with the best learning experiences through play-led engagements and activities. She then did extensive research on the subject, which led to the establishment of the Playseum, a place where children can go beyond their horizons. “I discovered that children learn a great deal through play imagination and exploration, and we are moving towards a highly diverse world where imagination and creativity are paramount,” says Sheth
During her many travels, Meera ensured that her children had interactive and engaging experiences wherever they went. However, she noticed that in India, children were only exposed to traditional play areas. “Unlike other countries, there was no space that offered the concept of a children’s museum where learning through interactive play experiences could happen,” adds Sheth
The activities have been designed to encourage role play, problem-solving, decision-making, research, critical thinking, organizing, sorting, exploring, expressing positive and negative emotions, and more. All of this helps children see the world in a whole new light and empathize and understand others’ feelings and emotions. It is said that a majority of cognitive development happens from the age of two to seven, which comes from the many perceptions and views they end up developing through various activities.
Among the most popular exhibit is Fossil Finder, which helps children learn an array of skills. “This fun activity teaches children about fossils and paleontology but also enhances their confidence, creativity, and problem-solving skills. By immersing themselves in the role of a paleontologist, children can develop a deeper understanding of science and history while having a blast,” says Sheth.
Another exciting exhibit is Doc Doc, where kids learn about well-being, empathy, and compassion. They also learn how to identify, express, and manage their emotions effectively. This activity is perfect for developing a child’s emotional intelligence and social skills.
Farm Fair is another fantastic exhibit that teaches children about healthy foods and how they are grown, processed, and delivered to tables. This is perfect for kids who are curious about where their food comes from and how it impacts their health.
Wheel Wash is a specially designed car wash model that teaches children about man-made systems and how they work. This activity is an excellent way for kids to explore the concepts of cause and effect, which is a crucial skill that helps children understand why things happen the way they do.
The Fun Flow Water System is an engaging Exhibit that allows children to play with water while simultaneously developing their sensory and motor skills. Additionally, the Fun Flow Bubble Tower provides an opportunity for children to experiment, have fun, and learn to manage their emotions while expressing their thoughts. These activities are designed to promote a fun and educational experience for children while also encouraging their growth and development.
The Imagination Playground provides an opportunity for children to exercise their creativity and problem-solving skills. By working together, they learn to communicate effectively and develop their social skills
The Tree Topper is an exciting adventure that can be accessed by either climbing up the ladder connecting to the tree house or ascending the stairs and entering the tunnel that leads to the dinosaur-digging cave. This Exhibit is not only fun but also helps young learners develop essential climbing skills that aid in their developmental milestones.
The Helicopter Simulator is an innovative and effective tool for promoting mental well-being in children. By providing a fun and engaging experience, it can help them develop important coping skills and improve their overall quality of life., the Wobbly World Hurricane Chamber is designed to provide children with an immersive experience of various weather systems, thereby enhancing their understanding of the same. These tools are instrumental in developing children’s risk management and coping skills, which are essential life skills.
Art Arc is a highly engaging activity that fosters creativity and imagination in children. This activity encourages young learners to explore their artistic abilities and express themselves through various mediums. Happy Hoppers is an engaging activity that is specifically designed to help children develop essential social skills. Through this activity, children learn how to interact with others, share, take turns, and communicate effectively.
Overall, these activities are highly beneficial for young learners and can help them develop important skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.
“Our ultimate objective is to establish a dynamic and ever-evolving environment that continuously pushes the boundaries of what is achievable in children’s education and play,” says Meera Shah.
But that’s not all! Playseum also has a garden-themed café that serves healthy and delicious food. They have a library stocked with books for all ages. Besides this, Playseum also offers summer camps, membership plans, and even Playseum toys for children to continue their learning journey at home.
All in all, Playseum is an incredible place for children to learn and grow in a fun and interactive environment. It’s a space where they can explore their interests and passions while developing essential skills that will help them throughout their lives. So why not give your child the gift of learning and take them to Playseum today?