A second home for kids?

IT'S A whole new concept in learning. A far cry from dingy rooms, cramped furniture, intimidating blackboard and clock-watching teachers. Enter the world of Gymbaroo--The Kangaroo Kids Club and experience the right dose of fun, creativity and learning. Scheduled to begin in October, at Subba Rao Avenue, Nungambakkam, phone 8206955/66, Gymbaroo is an established brand of school that imparts education in the guise of play. With a network of 12 schools across the country, Gymbaroo (the concept has been imported from Australia), facilitates action-based learning in a visually stimulating environment where kids can hone varied skills -- from language to social.

The interior design itself reflects Gymbaroo's importance to detail. Well laid out concept-driven rooms with vibrant splashes of colour assure `edutainment' for kids in the age group of 10 months to 10 years. The furniture, toys, educational tools etc are imported from Australia.

The toddler sessions are designed in such a way that there is improvement in multi-sensory levels. The speciality is that mothers can accompany their kids to the programmes for toddlers. The Toddlers Transitional Programme helps in weaning away the child from the parent.

The Gymbaroo Children's Club focusses "on confidence building and self-esteem development besides pure enjoyment. Each session is a carefully programmed blend of stimulating activities that provide the child a range of learning possibilities."

All Gymbaroo centres are fully air-conditioned and consist of three workstations -- Motor (that focusses on the interplay of the body and brain), Drama (it offers an exciting atmosphere for children to create and try out new roles -- enriches language skills and develops imagination) and Language (in which specially designed programmes improve speech development and vocabulary skills).

According to Priyanka Jayakumar of Gymbaroo, regular curriculum for older children will enable easy transition to regular educational institutions. Listing a whole lot of celebrity kids at various Gymbaroo centres, Priyanka asserts that the concept of "visually stimulative learning" is catching on in the metros. With a committed band of teachers, live presentations and audio- visual programmes, children can hope to explore new frontiers during their precious formative years at Gymbaroo. Now, did I hear someone say haute schools are here?

T.KRITHIKA REDDY

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Features
Previous : Inspiring images
Next     : Mood matches the menu