Ekyanava | Page 11 of 11

How Does Design Thinking Benefit Children?

How Does Design Thinking Benefit Children? In a world where fish can fly and elephants can dance, a traditional classroom can often feel like a stage without any performers. We’ve long struggled as educators, parents, and thinkers with the question of how to best prepare our kids for a future that seems to be changing more quickly than we can imagine. The solution can be found in a strange setting where creativity blooms and imagination knows no bounds: the world of design thinking. This is not the place for rote memorization or standardized testing. Given the importance of 21st Century Learning and Innovation Skills, it’s evident that traditional approaches may not suffice. Because of this, design thinking emerges as a powerful method for nurturing these crucial skills in children. Benefits of Design Thinking for Kids Authentic Learning Experience: Traditional school assignments often lack relevance, leaving kids unmotivated to give their best effort. Design thinking flips the script by challenging children to create something tangible that addresses real problems within their community. This authentic investment inspires intrinsic motivation and keeps them engaged in learning throughout the entire process. Nurturing Critical Thinking Abilities: Design thinking empowers children to become excellent problem solvers. It guides them through identifying and defining problems, brainstorming creative solutions, and testing those solutions systematically. By encouraging kids to think innovatively and question established norms, design thinking nurtures critical thinking skills essential for navigating real-life challenges. Fostering Empathy and Understanding: At the heart of the design thinking process lies empathy. Before generating ideas, learners are prompted to understand the perspectives and needs of their end users. This practice cultivates empathy and instills a sense of civic responsibility, preparing children to contribute positively to society by considering diverse viewpoints and walking in others’ shoes. Building Creative Confidence: Unlike traditional education, where there’s often a right or wrong answer, design thinking celebrates creativity and experimentation. It emphasizes that making mistakes is an integral part of the learning journey, boosting children’s self-confidence and encouraging them to explore new ideas without fear of failure. Encouraging Continuous Improvement: Effective design thinking involves iterative processes, where ideas are tested, refined, and improved based on feedback. Through this cycle, children develop courage, adaptability, and a growth mindset as they learn to accept and implement constructive criticism. This mindset extends beyond design thinking projects, empowering children to embrace feedback in various aspects of their lives. Developing Technical Skills for the Future: While not mandatory, many design thinking projects incorporate technology, providing children with opportunities to engage with a variety of creative tools. From modeling software to programming languages and robotics, these projects enhance children’s digital literacy and equip them with valuable technical skills for the future. Besides sparking curiosity and fostering empathy, design thinking opens doors to a fresh perspective, empowering children to think creatively while solving real-world problems. It’s a path where challenges become opportunities, and every idea holds promise. So let’s equip our children with the skills they need to navigate tomorrow’s challenges with confidence and creativity, building a future where imagination knows no limits. Looking for the best K-12 school in Bangalore? Apply now for Ekya Nava, India’s First K-12 School of Innovation, Creativity & Design. Located in Panathur Village, Bengaluru, Ekya Nava aims to Go Beyond the core curriculum and approach schooling from a whole new perspective. Admissions open for 2024-25.

Events

Ekya Nava’s ‘Frame It Up’: A New Perspective on Mobile Photography for Youngsters

On the 16th of March, 2024, Ekya Nava demonstrated its dedication to innovative learning by hosting ‘Frame It Up’, a workshop that ventured into the art of mobile photography tailored for children aged 5 to 10. This engaging event served as an introduction to the fundamentals of capturing images via smartphones but also provided a fresh, creative outlet for the participating youngsters. Beginning at 10:30 AM, the workshop transformed Ekya Nava’s campus into a dynamic studio, where the young attendees wielded their mobile phones, as gadgets, and tools of artistic exploration. The aim was to shift away from conventional education methods, focusing instead on empowering the students to document the world around them through their unique perspectives. Through a series of interactive sessions, the children were introduced to the core aspects of mobile photography. They delved into techniques to enhance their photographic and video content, making it more appealing and expressive. This initiative was underpinned by the belief that every young learner brings a distinct viewpoint to the table, encouraging them to capture the world in their distinctive way. ‘Frame It Up’ was an invitation to break the mould of traditional education and embark on an adventure of visual storytelling. It presented an exceptional opportunity for the children to express their creativity, while simultaneously honing new skills and building self-assurance amidst a community of budding photography aficionad As the workshop unfolded, Ekya Nava buzzed with activity, with participants eagerly exploring various corners of the campus, smartphones in hand, ready to frame their shots. The focus was not solely on the technicalities of photography but on inspiring these young minds to observe and appreciate the beauty and intricacy of their surroundings. The event underscored Ekya Nava’s commitment to fostering an environment where creative expression and technological fluency converge, nurturing the innovative spirits of its students. ‘Frame It Up’ succeeded in sparking a passion for photography among its young participants, encouraging them to continue exploring the world through the lens of their cameras.

Events

‘Out of the Box’ Workshop: A Journey into the Wonders of Science at Ekya Nava

On 10th February 2024, Ekya Nava campus transformed into a buzzing hive of curiosity and excitement, as the school in collaboration with the renowned education technology firm Think Tac, hosted the innovative workshop ‘Out of the Box’. Aimed at children aged 4-10, the event offered a hands-on exploration of the scientific concepts of friction and movement through a lens that was as fun as it was educational. As the clock struck 10 AM, the air was charged with anticipation. The young participants, accompanied by their equally eager parents, embarked on a scientific sojourn that promised to unravel the mysteries of nature through immersive learning experiences. The workshop’s unique approach of using simple materials like straws, thread, and cardboard allowed children to construct models of seed dispersal techniques and climbers, offering a tangible connection to the theoretical concepts of science. ‘Out of the Box’ was a celebration of the innate curiosity that dwells within every child. Through activities that blended learning with play, the workshop illuminated the principles of friction and movement in a manner that was accessible, engaging, and most importantly, enjoyable. The day-long event saw Ekya Nava’s campus abuzz with the kind of infectious enthusiasm that only the pursuit of knowledge can evoke. Children huddled over their projects, experimenting and tweaking, as they applied the concepts of science in real time. The joy of discovery was evident on their faces as they watched their creations come to life, a testament to the success of the workshop’s hands-on approach to education. This collaboration between Ekya Nava and Think Tac highlighted the importance of innovative educational practices that encourage active participation and critical thinking. By bringing theoretical concepts to life through practical application, ‘Out of the Box’ not only engaged young minds but also inspired a deeper understanding and appreciation of the natural world. As the workshop concluded, it was clear that the participants had embarked on much more than a scientific exploration. They had journeyed through the phases of creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving, equipped with nothing but their imagination and simple materials. ‘Out of the Box’ proved to be a milestone in experiential learning, reinforcing the belief that when education transcends the traditional boundaries of classrooms, it has the power to ignite a lifelong passion for discovery.