EMAIL ADDRESS
mail@bookwormgoa.in
PHONE NUMBER
(+91) 98232 22665
OUR LOCATIONS
Mala / Saligao / Aldona / Seraulim
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- Home Based Libraries (HBL)
Home Based Libraries (HBL)
The Home Based Library (HBL) program focuses on providing specially curated Playsets for children with learning disabilities and special needs
A parent’s / caregiver’s strength lies in knowing their child the best. While Bookworm’s strengths lie in curating books and material that are age and need specific, these two elements form a synergy in the Home Based Library project to ensure that it is the child who benefits the most.
In 2023-2024 with the support of the HT Parekh Foundation, Bookworm piloted the Home Based Library project, a library accessibility program for children with special needs who are unable to access library services due to a variety of reasons. The project conceptualized by our Founder, Director Sujata Noronha is unique in that it brings together books – which is our strength and play based learning and activities into the homes of children.
What is the Home Based Library and why do we believe that each Play Set brings joy to a child and helps parents and children to form a closer bond through engagement with the books and activities which are a part of the Play Set.
We believe that the parent knows the child best and a conversation with the parent is the first step in the program to know the child’s likes and dislikes, ability to independently engage with daily activities and family details. The intake form that is filled based on these conversations helps us put together a unique Play Set for the children.
Each Play Set which is thoughtfully designed to engage the child contains a main story book, a lesson plan based on the book, activities based on the lesson plan, tactile play material, puzzles, stationary, additional books for the child and parent and a tablet with preloaded video content. The Play Set is delivered to the home of the child and parents are guided how to engage the child with the books, activities and play material. Children eagerly await a new Play Set each month and are keen to share their experiences based on their engagement with the books, activities and tactile toys in their Play Set. Some of the themes /formats that we have touched upon through the main stories are Early Concepts, Socio-Emotional topics, Motor Skills, Early Literacy, Language and Tactile books.
The impact of this program may not be measured in numbers but in the impact it has had on both the children and parents who are a part of the Home Based Library program. Small joys of children experiencing a variety of books for the first time, the joy in receiving a new Play Set and eager to experience what is inside, the bonds that are formed with the Resource Persons and the knowledge that each experience is unique for both children and parents. Parents mention that the Play Set gives them time to engage fully with the child and connect with them in meaningful ways.
The program continues to grow and this year we will deliver Play Sets to more than 70 children. Awareness has grown about the program through parents speaking to other parents on their experience with a Play Set, through Bookworm’s presence at outdoor events and collaborations. A very special evening for parents and children of the Home Based Library program was held earlier this year. The children engaged in different activities like read aloud and visual arts and the parents were a part of a session which focused on how reading through the Home Based Library project differs from academic / scholastic learning.
At Bookworm, we believe that the Home Based Library program can make an impact in the lives of children beyond our current geographies. As we move forward, we hope that training educators, individuals in the special needs sector and parents of children in other parts of India will expand the reach and experience a Play Set brings to a child.
At Bookworm, we truly believe in what we do and the Home Based Library program is a shared engagement of children, families and the team at Bookworm to make an impact in the lives of children who would otherwise not have access to a unique library experience.
To know more about the Home Based Library programme or support the program, kindly email us at hbl@bookwormgoa.in / or call us on 9823222665.