Learning Through Play: Lekotek's Journey with HelpKidzLearn Games and Activities.
Meet Helene Prokesch, Executive Director, and Lisa Nevitt, Cobb Satellite Leader, of Lekotek of Georgia. They are dedicated to enriching the lives of children through the power of play. Lekotek of Georgia, a non-profit organisation in the heart of Atlanta, stands as a pillar of support and inclusion, serving families across 42 Georgia counties and three states.
Since its doors opened in 1983, they’ve touched the lives of over 7,000 families. With a team of 8 full-time and 5 part-time staff members, they reach an average of 400 children every year across their 6 sites. Focusing on children with diverse needs such as attention deficit disorders, speech delays, autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and more, Lekotek serves as a refuge from medical appointments and therapies. Specialising in children from birth to 8 years old, with additional computer services catering to adolescents and young adults. Filled with adapted toys, educational materials, computer equipment, and iPads – it’s a place where children can explore and discover at their own pace, free from pressure. Lekotek's approach is all about building self-esteem and fostering meaningful interactions between children and caregivers. Their impact goes beyond playtime – Lekotek empowers families too. They provide personalised support, connect families to resources, and even organise community events. It's a space that fosters a sense of belonging and reduces feelings of isolation.
Lekotek's treasure chest of resources holds a special gem: HelpKidzLearn Games & Activities. These interactive games have become a game-changer, making playtime even more engaging and developing meaningful interactions for children with diverse needs. Through HelpKidzLearn, Lekotek continues to fulfil its mission of providing inclusive play opportunities and empowering children to reach their full potential. Helene and Liza first discovered HelpKidzLearn at the famous Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) conference in Orlando in 2012. And the rest, as they say, is history. They recognised HelpKidzLearn as a great fit in meeting the needs of the children they were dedicated to supporting, particularly in a fun and accessible way. One of the key reasons Lekotek opted to use HelpKidzLearn was its seamless transition from cause and effect activities. Helene expressed “You can tell how well written it is. It’s rare to find software that effectively addresses the needs of children starting at cause and effect.
Lekotek is a place where all children can explore the joy of play and learning, and that includes amazing kids like Ivar! Ivar, a young visitor at Lekotek, harnesses the power of HelpKidzLearn’s Games & Activities through an eye gaze system. This innovative technology lets him control the games on the screen just by looking at them! The black bar attached to the bottom of the monitor tracks Ivar’s pupils, allowing him to direct the cursor with his eye movements. Through this method, he engages with various HelpKidzLearn activities, experiencing both enjoyment and educational growth simultaneously. Two notable games within the HelpKidzLearn suite captivate Ivar’s attention and stimulate his cognitive development:
This interactive activity features five colourful planes, zooming across the sky. Each time the song stops, Ivar activates the game again by looking at the screen, initiating the planes to fly once more. This playful interaction not only keeps him entertained, but it also helps him understand cause and effect, and even introduces him to basic counting.
This activity challenges Ivar to guide a penguin safely through various obstacles while helping him find his way home, gathering food along the way. This challenging activity helps him develop important skills like problem-solving, timing, and perseverance – all while mastering the cool eye-gaze technology. Both these activities showcase Ivar's incredible focus and dedication. As he gets better at playing the games, he feels a sense of accomplishment and independence – a truly empowering experience!
The beauty of HelpKidzLearn? Its versatility. Lekotek utilizes a variety of access methods, from switches and touchscreens to eye gaze technology, and HelpKidzLearn seamlessly adapts to each one. Lisa Nevitt said, "I love the HelpKidzLearn Software, I love the variety, I find myself gravitating to it first." Helene Prokesch said, "The children are very responsive to the activities. HelpKidzLearn is user-friendly and so fabulous for our population. Families often ask us about suitable gifts for their children and we always recommend Games & Activities – there’s so many activities to choose from.”
Monitoring progress at Lekotek differs from traditional school education systems due to its focus on learning through play. Staff employ a combination of videos and session notes to track interactions and progress. Helene emphasised the significance of learning through play with HelpKidzLearn, noting its ability to alleviate pressure on children. Helene shared how children who might resist traditional therapy sessions, like physiotherapy, light up when it comes to playtime with HelpKidzLearn. Helene observed children standing at computers while accessing HelpKidzLearn software, facilitating a stress-free learning environment. It's a testament to the power of engaging activities that meet children where they are.
HelpKidzLearn Games and Activities stand as a guiding force within Lekotek of Georgia, illustrating the transformative power of play in the lives of children with diverse needs and their families. Through their dedicated commitment and innovative approach, Helene Prokesch, Lisa Nevitt, and the entire team at Lekotek have cultivated a nurturing environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive. The invaluable support of HelpKidzLearn Games and Activities has played a pivotal role in this journey, empowering both children and staff alike. By highlighting the numerous benefits it brings, Lekotek encourages others to embrace this transformative tool, fostering inclusivity, empowerment, and joy.
