Young nature enthusiasts got a peek into the philosophy of sustainable designs and organic recycled materials while learning how to grow sprouts on their own as part of an innovative workshop at the ongoing Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2023).
Ludmila Favardin, who’s been conducting the Scrolling Sprouts session with young school goers at the 12-day festival, taking place at the Sharjah Expo Centre until November 12, said: “So what we brought here this time was a concept called Scrollino which is like a creative book that you can roll out several metres with activities, stories, colourings and many other interesting things inside for children to develop creativity and also to learn about nature.”
“Through this workshop we wanted to teach the kids more about nature, about how to care about living things and they do so by growing their own sprouts; little plants right from the seeds,” the Czech creative director added while explaining how each participant was provided small boxes with seeds and a “growing kit” for them to be able to take home with them, “something tangible, memorable and sustainable”.
“Because we don’t use any technology for making our product, children need to think of original and creative ways to interact with the book using their tactile skills,” Favardin further noted, adding that she consciously dissuades children from using smartphones or the internet to learn.
Nine-year-old Indian student Navilan Nandagopal who attended the 45-minute session said it was an eye-opener for him. “We learned that sprouts are full of vitamins and minerals and also got to know more about nature,” said the student of Gems Millennium School in Sharjah. “I am excited that I am taking back something I will now see take a whole new shape over the week.”
“It was a great day of learning for me,” said Ditya Karwan, who also took part in the workshop. “What fascinated me most was how this whole activity was riddled with several tasks that involved colouring, remembering and basically using a lot of your brains,” added the 11-year-old student.
From Acrylic pouring bears that is a fun lesson on fluid art, a to painting workshop without paint where children will paint with colourful yarn, to immersing in the dynamic practice of balance yoga, young SIBF 2023 visitors have a lot of learning and entertainment to look forward to at the book fair.