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Four children sit around a wooden table playing games. One child holds a round game piece, another holds a similar piece, and a third leans forward with their head resting on their hands. A fourth child’s hand rests on the table near a round yellow game piece. A chess box and an open box containing colorful blocks are on the table, along with another game box. In the background, a cat tree stands against a wood-paneled wall.
  • 12 took part
  • 2 facilitators

Saturday 10 October 2026

Time to play and connect

Facilitated by George P J and Sreena Swaminathan

What the work needed: people, time, money, space and materials.
What went in
Games: "UNO", "Jenga", "Dobble", "Dominos", "Snakes and Ladders", "LEGO" and "Guess Who". Newly bought games alongside existing resources.
Outside help
Olimalar Foundation: host
Time
1 hour
Cost
₹2,500

What was done with those inputs, step by step.

We start our Curiosity Club with free play as children arrive. They choose games and building materials, then play together. This gives everyone time to arrive before we gather for the guided activity.

We asked children what they wanted to play and added games based on their suggestions. The children were excited to see their choices. They started setting the games up themselves. With six games going on at once, children could choose what interested them.

On their first visit, two older children were unsure how to join in. Our facilitator invited them into an "UNO" game with others. As they played, they became more involved and helped explain the rules to younger children. The group later learned dominoes together too.

Another group prepared "Guess Who" for next week. "Jenga", "LEGO" and "Dobble" were also popular.

What the activity directly produced: sessions held, people reached, things made.
  • 6 Games running at the same time

What changed for the people who took part, and what showed it.

Children set up their chosen games themselves. They invited others to join and explained the rules. They shared pieces and took turns. Children played beyond their usual friendship groups, and quieter children began conversations through games. During the Guess Who setup, the group worked through frustration and helped each other finish.

(We observed it)

What the team will keep or change next time.

A personal invitation helped hesitant newcomers join in, and children supported one another with the rules. Shared games gave them time to get to know others and build connections. Asking for their choices encouraged excitement and ownership. We will continue involving children in choosing games and supporting them to welcome and help one another.

OthersCuriosity ClubOlimalar FoundationGeorge P JSreena Swaminathanaikyam space

Run this activity yourself. You are free to copy, change and share this write-up, as long as you credit aikyam space. Photos are not included. (Creative Commons licence CC BY 4.0)