Learning through play

Saturday, 19 March 2011 00:52 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

According to the contemporary American martial arts master O. Fred Donaldson, “Children learn as they play. Most importantly, in play children learn how to learn.” The Kiddies’ Camp at Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo is designed around this concept.

Children go to school to learn because they have to, but make fascinating discoveries at Kiddies’ Camp because they want to. Every month since October last year, the hotel has provided children below twelve with an environment conducive to learning through play.

Based on a fresh theme every month, Kiddies’ Camp has managed to capture the fleeting attention spans of a cross section of children. This month the crew welcomes Avurudu early with an ‘Avurudu Pola’ theme. It will give the kids an opportunity to experience the essence of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year in a child friendly manner.

Children will be invited to participate in games such as Kotta Pora, Kana Mutti, a bun eating competition and even an Avurudu Kumaraya and Kumari competition. Even the tradition of “ganu denu” will be demonstrated to them to ensure local traditions do not fade with time. The activities on the cards are not exclusively for children. Mums and dads will be invited to share in the fun too with specific games that will be arranged for the young at heart.

Beginning this March, Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo partners with Tomahawk who will offer a lucky child a bicycle at every Kiddies’ Camp. The bicycles are available in various sizes, and an appropriate one will be gifted to the winner.

The hotel’s chefs have planned a kiddies’ menu of traditional treats such as Kavun, Kokis and Thalaguli as well as Western food including an ice cream station. The buffet will consist of food children love to eat, so no child goes hungry.

On 27 March, suit the kids up in traditional clothes and embrace the occasion. Kiddies’ Camp begins at 3.00 pm and the fun continues on until 6.00 pm. Tickets are available at the hotel and are priced at Rs. 750++++ for children between two and twelve and at Rs. 1,200 for adults. For inquiries or reservations contact 2491016.