Schools programme

A pilot programme that Sutradhar conducted in government schools (1996-2003) involved the design of a value education programme. The curriculum involved the exploration of belief systems and understanding of self and the other. The sessions promoted values of equality and diversity and dealt with issues such as class, caste, ability, ethnicity, age and religion in the context of the family and community. Learning was facilitated using drama exercises, films, stories, role-play and discussion. Sutradhar worked in partnership with other groups involved in sexuality education, child rights and health in developing the curriculum.

Toys for the disabled (supported by Concern India Foundation)

This project involved the design of learning resources for children with special needs. The idea grew out of our experience at the shop, when we realised that many of our customers were special educators or parents of children with special needs. Learning resources are particularly useful for such children, as they isolate specific aspects of the real and busy world one at a time. Such as texture or colour for instance, which makes it easier for children to grasp concepts. Montessori materials are perhaps the best known examples for such teaching materials.

To develop these learning resources we interacted with special educators to understand the needs of special children, the challenges posed by different disabilities, and the gaps in the market in terms of availability of such learning materials. We then developed a range of educational materials and field tested them with children. The range we have developed will be useful to all children, including those with special needs.

Fingertips - A child resource directory for Bangalore

To make child-related services in Bangalore better known and utilised, we undertook a project to compile “Fingertips”. This directory with over 400 entries, organised in six sections, provides a comprehensive overview of services available, in the areas of: Child development, Education, Health, Disability, Recreation, and Support Services. From artists and adoption agencies to counsellors and children’s libraries, this book is a ready reckoner for parents, schools, libraries, and all institutions involved with children.

Fingertips is the first directory of its kind in the country that is focussed completely on children. Each listing provides – apart from details like addresses and phone numbers – a short profile of key services and opportunities for help. It has been designed with a detailed subject index to guide users in their search. The visual style – with its yellow pages and use of children’s drawings – reinforces its child-friendly nature. The price of this book is Rs 150.

Early learning kit - Toys with a difference

The early years are a critical stage in a child’s life. A child’s mind develops in leaps and bounds between the ages of 3 and 6. Providing children with a carefully chosen assortment of play materials can make a critical difference at this stage.

Keeping this in mind, we developed an Early Learning Kit of play materials. This kit has been developed along the guidelines suggested by NCERT (National Council for Educational Research and Training). The kit includes an assortment of 11 play materials in a sturdy bag, accompanied by a teacher’s manual and it can be used by many children simultaneously. The play materials are durable, multi-purpose and promote the all-round development of the child in areas like language, mathematics, thinking skills and eye-hand coordination.

Developed with the assistance of craftspersons and other organisations, the kit has been put together bearing in mind the budget constraints that most organisations running pre-primary centres have. We have also tested the kit for its educational value and durability in a 1000 Anganwadi/Pre-primary centres across the state, thanks to the support of the Department of Women and Child Development and 25 other non-governmental organisations.