Fun unlimited!
|
After-school activity centres have increased in numbers and here's looking at what they have to offer.
|
The recommended routine of games after a busy session of work is not in vogue anymore. At least among children it is changing. Now after a hectic day at school, children rush off to the activity centres where they learn music, dance, reading, games and many more. So what do these after-school activity-centres aim at? What do they offer children?
"Our main aim is to let them access the library here. We have a good collection of books for children between ages 0-14. Soon, we are planning to add 50 new titles every week. Though we have an audio-visual room and lots of open, airy space to play, books are our star-attraction," says Chandni Khanna, Hippocampus, Abhiramapuram.
"We have specific areas of amusement for children belonging to different age-groups. There is a big play-gym for tiny tots and a variety of workshops going on a regular basis for children of other ages. We go by monthly themes and all our activities are in line with the particular themes. With a massage unit and a Wi-Fi internet cafe within the premises, Vanilla is ideally a place for the whole family, "says Ezhil Mathi, Manager-PR, Vanilla Place, Mylapore.
"Though we have exclusive nooks like a reading room, an AV room with a small gallery and a spacious solarium, we just let the kids explore. They start off with playing in the ball pen and going for a ride in the mini carting area and end up watching a movie," says Vidya, Hansel&Gretel, T.Nagar.
But in comparison to the variety of games and activities offered in an air-conditioned and closed set-ups, are not the chattering, neighbourhood friendships more exciting and challenging for the kids? "Indeed," says Vidya, "But sadly, our apartment frontages don't have enough space for children to play. Also, we are so touchy not to let them go out and play in the sun, sand or rain."
Designed to suit the safety needs of children with security alarms, soft, child-safe toys, and wood-panelled floorings to interestingly shaped door-knobs and colourful pictures, puppets, masks and blocks, these centres singularly focus on the children's interests. Stepping down the pace of their learning in a stress-free and less competitive environment, they gently direct them towards good things, also offering an encouraging platform to unleash their special skills.
Hippocampus' story-telling sessions and theatre workshops are interactive sessions that bring out the best in the kids. The 'Teacher's time' at Hansel&Gretel touches upon a diverse array of topics and grooms them to respond to directions. "In addition to the regular stream, Vanilla also has educators for special children. We aim at bringing about a holistic development," says Mathi.
Incidentally, these activity centres also keep pace with the curriculum and grades. There is a customary 'fun with math' module, a creative writing session as well as science workshop concurrently happening in every other centre along with the fun ones.
talktoretailplus@yahoo.com
VIJAYALAKSHMI SRIDHAR
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Retail Plus
Chennai
