In our present educational system maximum importance has been given to the bookish way of learning (i.e., the manipulation of 26 alphabets and 10 numerals).

The interaction between the bookish knowledge, the reality in the environment and the self; forms the basis for a creative experience. The ability of the child to question, to find form and order, to rethink and restructure and find new relationships with knowledge at hand etc. needs to be encouraged.

Optimal reading occurs when it is fun and the individual is challenged to the limits of one's abilities. Every kid must be taken to the optimal level of challenge, regardless of skill. Kids become winners when we enable differentiated learning, thus overcoming the traditional gap of 'winners' and 'losers'.

About Maadu:
'MAADU' taken from Kannada, meaning 'to make', was chosen as the name for the prototype. Throughout the project the emphasis was given on making things with one's own hands. The use of a variety of materials both natural and manmade for the components allows the child to get a feel of the materials first hand.

The project was a collaborative effort involving the end users having varying interests and backgrounds. The end users included both boys and girls. The involvement of different age groups other than the ones for whom the product was designed for provided an excellent opportunity for the same product to be marketed to different age groups.

'MAADU' true to its name emerged as an activity emphasizing on the making of objects with one's own hands and as a collaborative effort both as a design project and during the making of objects.

The scope of the project was to design creative aids for school children of age 12+ years so that learning becomes a hands‐on, enjoyable and self taught experience.

The aim of the project was to kindle and promote the natural ability of child to search discover and experiment. And, to clarify and apply theoretical knowledge gained in school and to get hands on work experience by making things with various materials.

Case Study Downloads:
• Maadu - Creative Aid for School Children - pdf