Made with HeART, an exhibition of artworks by children from across Kochi, was held on April 8 from 10 am to 5 pm, hosted by Olimalar Foundation as part of their LifSkool programme. Alongside the artworks there were hands-on stations, and guided clay modelling and calligraphy open to all ages. Entry was free with no registration.
Art and culture
The reading club began testing each child's reading level
We began assessing the reading levels of children using the Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) approach developed by Pratham. The assessment helps us understand each child's current reading ability so that future sessions can be planned according to their learning needs, allowing every child to learn at a pace that is right for them.
Children built spaghetti towers and drew as a team
Children took part in two team-based life skills challenges. In the Spaghetti Tower, they used spaghetti, tape, string and a marshmallow to build the tallest free-standing tower they could. In Draw Together, they relied on observation and clear communication to recreate a picture as a team. Both challenges encouraged teamwork, communication, creativity and problem-solving through hands-on learning.
The Reading Club split into small reading groups
The Reading Club continued with small-group activities that encouraged children to read, discuss stories, and support one another in their learning.
Each child took home a fruit seed to grow
Each child took home a fruit seed to grow in a cup, to water regularly and watch week by week. The session was on plant growth and the basic needs of living organisms — and the team will track progress with them, so the learning comes from their own observation rather than classroom discussion.
