We set up a playful workshop for the local kindergarten kids, aiming to introduce more fun into their playtime. The activity included 16 kindergarteners and 13 high school students interacting with each other. Recognizing that traditional toys sometimes lose their appeal, we asked the kids about their favorite games and toys. Many mentioned the wooden kitchen, so we transformed the space into a lively “restaurant” scenario, sparking their imagination.
Knowing their love for theatre, we enacted a story about lost sandals, a performance that captivated their interest. We used the inspiration from the Toolbox created during the project especially the workshop “The Art of the Red Nose” which introduced the Art of Clowning to the group. The aim of the activity was to improve social interactions and present ways to deal with failures by using humor and clowning methods for voice and body language. When interacting with children we lowered the note and tried to present how incorporating comedy into everyday life can be fun and helpful. After that we combined their love for playdough and sea animals, we engaged them in group activities centered around these themes.
While the laughter and joy was all over the place, we began a more serious conversation about screen time, particularly television. Some kids revealed that their parents restricted electronic device use to two hours a day, while others mentioned prolonged TV watching due to lack of parental time constraints. Many of the kids, having siblings, shared their playtime with them.
As the workshop unfolded, we discussed the activities, putting the main accent on the kids’ feelings and whether they found it enjoyable. The feedback was heartening. The kids expressed delight in the funny play, the “cooking class,” and crafting with playdough. They even requested another play when we returned. Despite initial hesitations and difficult interaction and ice-breaker, the kids warmed up, illustrating how theatre and comedy seamlessly integrate into their daily lives, bringing joy and creating lasting memories. It was a genuinely enjoyable experience for both us and the kids, and we look forward to doing it again.
