I Can!
These pictures tell the story of how the ASAP-sponsored educational toys are used in a preschool in Pretoria, South Africa, to help develop basic skills in young children. The aim is always to reach a point where a child, after trying and trying, can excitedly say: “I can!!” Play is learning. Learning is play.
“Play is often talked about as if it were relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning.”
Busisiwe Matamela helps a little boy to walk on a set of walking blocks with ropes attached to them. This is an exercise in balance and in eye-hand-foot-coordination.
Two more cups to go to complete this tower. This is an exercise that develops fine motor skills.
After talking about the different shapes on the cards, it is time to count the cards. Counting is the beginning of basic numeracy.
Learning shapes with playing cards.
Mastering new skills: little children learn about drums and rhythms.
A first lesson with percussion instruments: drums and shakers. The children have to listen to what the teacher says and to what she plays. Then they must start playing along. And after a little confusion, of trying and trying again, gradually a rhythm emerges.
Building your very first tower is not easy. It requires a lot of concentration.
A little class interaction as the little girl points out a shape on a card in the boy’s hand.
The children are learning about shapes with playing cards. The little girl receives a card with a starfish on it and then excitedly points at another star shape she recognizes up against the wall.
Staying safe from Covid-19 by sanitizing between different activities.
At the age of three, it takes some concentration to get the rhythm right. But concentration is an important skill to master.
The little girl masters the art of walking with the walking blocks. This is called the “I can” moment, the kind of moment that the caregivers are taught to strive for.