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Ever feel like everyone’s talking about new ways of teaching your children, but nobody tells you how to do it? It feels like no one is teaching us how to dive into the pool from where we all stand at the edge. So, that is where design thinking comes into play.  ‘Design Thinking’ is a game-changer for kids, and the best part? It’s not just for classrooms; it’s for everyone, including your kids at home. The good news is that you don’t need a design degree to introduce your kids to the wonders of design thinking. As a parent, you’re already quite ready to develop your child’s curiosity and problem-solving skills. From turning everyday activities into design challenges to encouraging experimentation and collaboration, there are numerous fun and easy ways to incorporate design thinking into your child’s life.  Now, let’s explore some resources and tools that can help you help your children leverage the benefits of design thinking.  Resources for Introducing Design Thinking Early   Design Thinking Books for Kids Introduce creativity and problem-solving to your children with captivating reads like ‘Rosie Revere, Engineer’ by Andrea Beaty, or ‘The Most Magnificent Thing’ by Ashley Spires. Explore Kobi Yamada’s series, including ‘What Do You Do With an Idea?’ and others, inspire kids to grow their ideas and open their imagination’s endless possibilities. Online Courses and Videos Use interactive courses on sites like TED-Ed and Khan Academy to spark students’ curiosity. Take a look at the ‘Imagineering in a Box’ series from Khan Academy to learn about creativity and design thinking, or check out the entertaining animated lessons on creativity and problem-solving from TED-Ed. Design Thinking Kits Incorporate kits such as “Design Thinking for Kids” from SparkLab to promote experiential learning. These kits give users the tools and resources they need to face challenging design problems enjoyably, encouraging creativity and problem-solving abilities. They are made to encourage the kids to explore, create, and innovate through tasks like building bridges and solving common problems.  Tools to Nurture Design Thinking in Kids   Mind Mapping Apps: Utilize platforms like Miro or MindMeister for visual brainstorming. These online tools help kids jot down ideas, connect them visually, and organize their thoughts effectively. Look for free or educational versions to get started. They’re perfect for turning abstract thoughts into concrete plans. Recycled Materials: Get creative with cardboard boxes, old containers, and newspapers. Encourage your child to repurpose these items into prototypes, fostering resourcefulness and sustainability while exploring design thinking. You’d be amazed at what can be created with a little imagination and some recycled materials!  Simple Drawing Tools: Equip your children early with pens, paper, and crayons for sketching. These basic tools allow them to express their ideas freely during brainstorming sessions. Drawing is a universal language that helps kids communicate and refine their thoughts with ease. Now that you’re equipped with some tools and resources to get you started, let’s look at some activities that you and your child can engage in.  Fun Activities for Hands-on Learning   Design a Better Toy Box: Solve the timeless problem of toy storage by involving your kid in the design process. Encourage them to interview siblings or friends to understand their toy storage challenges. Then, brainstorm solutions together, create a prototype using simple materials like cardboard, and put it to the test. It’s a hands-on way to develop problem-solving skills while having fun. Revamp a Recipe: Transform a family recipe into a cooking adventure for your children. Challenge them to redesign the recipe with younger chefs in mind. This activity not only encourages creativity but also teaches empathy as they consider the perspective of younger cooks. From ingredient substitutions to simplified instructions, let their imagination run wild in the kitchen. Design the Perfect Gift: Challenge your child to design a gift for a loved one that solves a real-world problem they have. Whether it’s a title or a handy gadget, encourage them to focus on meeting the recipient’s needs. This project not only hones their design thinking skills but also helps to grow empathy and creativity, making it a meaningful gift-giving experience. Teaching design thinking to kids can be simple and enjoyable for both parents and children. By engaging in activities like redesigning toy storage, experimenting with recipes, or creating thoughtful gifts, parents can encourage creativity and problem-solving in their little ones. With tools like mind-mapping apps, recycled materials, and basic drawing supplies, kids can discover their imaginations and develop valuable skills for the future. So, let’s keep exploring and innovating together, making learning a fun and rewarding experience for our children. After all, the journey of discovery is just beginning!  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.

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.