Learn through play at these classes

DIANE Ackerman, a Pulitzer Prize finalist, said: “Play is our brain’s favourite way of learning”. Another highly intelligent individual, Albert Einstein, is quoted as saying that “Play is the highest form of research”.

This learning through play methodology is what inspired Michael amd Lilandi Furstenburg, a couple from Kempton Park, to create the Skills Training Academy for Community Kids, also known as the STACK Project. Children have “stacks” of fun while learning.

Michael and Lilandi are both teachers. The project focuses on developing from the most basic numeracy and literacy skills to advanced life skills such as strategic thinking, budgeting, baking and sewing through playing a variety of games.

These is a combination of board games, such as Monopoly, Sequence, 30 Seconds, Careers and Rummicub, card games, as well as construction toys such as Duplo, Jenga, clay and even really simple games requiring only a pen and paper.

Each of these games develop any number of skills but perhaps the one skill found to have the most profound effect on the attendees’ scholastic success is reading comprehension.

The success of the project can be seen in that over the five years that this project has been running there has been a marked increase in the grades of the regular attendees, as well as a positive change in their attitude toward learning in general.

The project started with two students attending and has grown to over 20 attending on a weekly basis. The attendees range in age from four to 16, which provides a challenge with only two facilitators.

Michael and Lilandi are working in conjunction with a non-profit organisation, the CUDDLE Trust, which is based in Kempton Park and provides a covered facility for the class.

There are, however, two big challenges for which they appeal to the community for assistance:

1. Lack of resources. Any such donations of any board games, no matter how old, as well as puzzles and construction toys, such as blocks, Duplo and Lego, will be appreciated. They are willing to collect the donations.

2. Lack of manpower. Anyone, no matter how young or old, who would like to volunteer to spend about two hours a week introducing and facilitating games during the STACK Project class, is more than welcome to join the fun. Volunteers will not be thrown in at the deep end.

To volunteer your time or donate resources, contact Lilandi at lilandif@gmail.com.