Cubo Toys Founder Karen Villard on The Importance of Play-Based Learning
Modern Mompreneur Karen Villard Transforms Early Education with Cubo Toys
In today's fast-paced world, finding innovative ways to engage children in learning has become a top priority for parents and educators alike. Enter Karen Villard, the visionary founder of Cubo Toys, a trailblazing toy company that aims to revolutionize play-based learning. With a background in media management and a passion for early childhood education, Villard has created a brand that seamlessly combines fun and educational value.
Before venturing into the world of toys, Villard served as a media manager for a leading advertising agency in the Philippines and Singapore, where she handled beloved children's brands. Her experience in the industry, coupled with her role as a preschool co-founder and early years educator, ignited her belief in the power of play-based learning. As a play ambassador and expert contributor to the Genius of Play, a US-based non-profit organization, Villard actively promotes the importance of play-based learning to families worldwide.
Relocation Adventures: Karen Villard's Journey from Melbourne to Hong Kong
In a bold move, Villard recently relocated with her husband and three children from Melbourne to Hong Kong. Embracing the challenges that came with moving during a pandemic, she eagerly anticipated being closer to family and friends in Asia. However, the transition proved to be more daunting than expected. Without the familiar support system she enjoyed in Melbourne, such as full-time childcare, Villard faced a tough period. The scorching heat of lockdowns and ubiquitous mask-wearing, even among infants, added to the unfamiliarity of her new surroundings.
Reflecting on her two years in Hong Kong, Villard admits she hasn't fully assimilated into the local culture. Influenced by her time in Melbourne, she finds herself straddling two worlds. However, she draws inspiration from other expat mothers who attest that it typically takes three or more years to fully adapt to life in Hong Kong. With optimism, Villard believes that despite the initial challenges, she and her family will find their place in this vibrant city.
The Power of Play: Karen Villard's Perspective on Play-Based Learning for Children
For Villard, play is more than just a recreational activity—it's an essential tool for nurturing a lifelong love of learning. Extensive research supports the use of play as a medium for children to absorb information and develop crucial skills. By letting kids explore their interests and learn on their terms, play eliminates pressure and stress associated with traditional teaching methods.
Every child's play style is as unique as their fingerprints, which contrasts with the one-size-fits-all approach of standardized testing. Through play-based learning, children can test their hypotheses, engage with early learning concepts, and progressively scaffold their knowledge.
Educational Systems in the Spotlight: Karen Villard's Take on Today's Methods
Karen Villard holds thought-provoking perspectives on the current educational systems our children navigate. Sharing her own experience, she reveals how her four-year-old daughter's enthusiasm for a Chinese language class turned into stress within minutes. The pressure to answer every question disrupted her daughter's enjoyment and hindered her learning experience.
In contrast, Villard highlights the benefits of play-based learning in her daughter's Chinese language class with her two-year-old brother. Through crafts, songs, counting, and pretend reading of Chinese characters, her children thrive in an environment that embraces play. She laments the persistence of outdated teaching approaches that force young children into reading and homework at an early age, emphasizing the importance of play-based learning for optimal educational outcomes.
A Journey of Learning: Karen Villard's Educational Reflections
Reflecting on her own educational journey, Villard expresses a desire for practical and hands-on learning experiences from an early age. Recounting her fear of losing valuable information written on classroom boards, she regrets not having practical arts introduced until fourth grade. Villard believes that starting practical lessons in kindergarten would have fostered a stronger passion for learning, eradicating the fears that hindered her educational growth.
At home, Villard ensures her children are exposed to relevant and age-appropriate learning experiences, allowing them to build essential skills as they grow older. Through this approach, she aims to instill a lifelong love of learning in her own children, enabling them to surpass the limitations of traditional teaching methods.
Making a Difference: Karen Villard's Impact with Cubo Toys
Villard's profound empathy for families in need fuels her mission to make a positive impact through Cubo Toys. While working as a medical representative, she witnessed the agonizing wait families endure to access medical attention in provincial areas. Recognizing the lack of educational resources available to children during these waiting periods, Villard envisions partnering with local councils to establish toy libraries in underserved communities.
These toy libraries, equipped with Cubo Toys' modular and multi-usable products, would provide a play corner and mini library of books in rural and urban health centers, local libraries, and government hospitals. By offering a wide range of learning options, Villard seeks to enhance children's waiting experiences while reducing Cubo Toys' environmental impact. Ultimately, she hopes these initiatives will benefit not only current families but also future generations.
Parental Engagement: Karen Villard's 3 Tips for Active Involvement in Children's Play
Drawing from her experiences as a mother and entrepreneur, Villard offers three invaluable tips for parents looking to be more engaged in their children's play:
Unplug and Be Present: Villard advises parents to prioritize quality time with their children by stepping away from screens. By fully engaging in play with their kids, parents can create lasting memories and nurture strong bonds.
Dress for Play: Villard encourages parents to embrace the spirit of play by dressing comfortably for physical activities. Shedding formal attire allows parents to fully immerse themselves in play, whether it involves jumping in puddles or conquering the playground.
Embrace Your Inner Child: Villard emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with one's inner child. By tapping into their own sense of playfulness and curiosity, parents can meet their children's energy levels and foster meaningful play experiences.
With her innovative approach to play-based learning and unwavering dedication to empowering children, Karen Villard is on a mission to reshape the educational landscape. Through Cubo Toys and her advocacy for toy libraries in underserved communities, Villard is making a lasting impact on children's lives, ensuring they have the tools and opportunities to thrive.
Toy Creators Academy Graduate: Karen Villard's Expertise in Toy Innovation
Beyond her extensive experience in media management and early childhood education, Karen Villard's journey as a toy entrepreneur is further enhanced by her graduation from the prestigious Toy Creators Academy. This esteemed institution has equipped her with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the field of toy design and innovation.
Through her enrollment in the Toy Creators Academy, Villard immersed herself in a comprehensive curriculum that delved into all aspects of toy creation. From concept ideation to prototype development and manufacturing, she gained a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in bringing captivating toys to life. The academy's emphasis on the intersection of play and learning perfectly aligned with Villard's own philosophy, further fueling her passion for play-based education.
As a Toy Creators Academy graduate, Villard not only possesses the expertise to develop engaging and educational toys but also holds a unique perspective on the industry's latest trends and advancements. This invaluable knowledge empowers her to continually innovate and create toys that resonate with children and parents alike.
With her combined experiences as a media manager, early years educator, play ambassador, and Toy Creators Academy graduate, Karen Villard stands at the forefront of the toy industry, spearheading a new era of play-based learning and revolutionizing the way children engage with educational toys.
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