Learning meets fun this summer in Mumbai

Gone are the days when parents had to think of new ways to keep their children engaged during summer vacations. As the concept of play-based learning catches up in the city, a wide variety of recreational but educational activities await students this summer.

One such organisation, iRobokid, has introduced summer camps to pique the interest of children in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and robotics. "Summer camps are not meant to be preachy and boring and that is our objective. We offer age-appropriate programmes using project-based, problem-solving activities that stimulate the minds of children and enhance their logical learning," said Jinesh Shah, Partner, iRobokid.

Foreign languages have become popular among school-going children as well, with Mandarin being on top of the list. Usha Sahoo, founder, Yeh China, a Mandarin coaching institute, said that a huge demand for online language coaching during summer vacations led the institute to introduce a 10-hour course. "The course introduces the children to basic conversation, numbers and food in China with some fun activities in between. Children over 6-years-old can join the course by themselves and those between 3.5 years to 5 years can join with their parents," said Sahoo.

Apart from simple treks, there is also an enthusiasm for star gazing and seeing fireflies. Dipesh Vedak, founder, Trek Break, said "Parents usually want to show their children those things that they don't get to see in the city."

Suvarna Shinde, a Borivali-based parent, said that such activities help kids in learning important concepts through play.

Parent's point of view

"Today's generation learns fast and inculcating such skills in them at an early age gives them an edge over others," said Suvarna Shinde, a parent who believes these activities help children learn through play.