Choosing a topic for any significant project, whether it’s a master’s thesis or a creative endeavor, is often deeply personal. For me, the inspiration came from a unique and cherished experience: babysitting a little girl from the age of six months until her current age of eight years. Watching her grow and develop has given me a profound appreciation for the early stages of learning, especially the pivotal process of learning to read. Especially during the COVID lockdowns in 2020, I spent a huge amount of time with her. Both the parents had to keep working as essential personnel and I split my time between online studies and going to their house to babysit. I witnessed her first words, her first attempts to recognize letters, and her eventual transition to reading full sentences with confidence. Through every stage, I saw how critical the early years are for laying the foundation of literacy skills. Especially for a kid that is raised bilingual. I saw firsthand how challenges in reading could lead to frustration but also how the right tools, encouragement, and patience could foster excitement and growth.
At the heart of my research and effort lies a clear goal: to create meaningful, effective learning materials for preschoolers. I aim to combine my personal experience with rigorous academic research to design tools that are engaging, developmentally appropriate, and inclusive. Here’s what I envision as the outcomes of my work:
Developing interactive learning materials
Preschoolers learn best when they’re having fun. I plan to create interactive and visually engaging materials that captivate young minds. These tools will incorporate storytelling, colorful illustrations, and hands-on activities to make the learning process enjoyable and effective.
Promoting a love for reading
Ultimately, I hope to spark a lifelong love for reading in children. By creating materials that celebrate curiosity, imagination, and discovery, I want to show that reading is not just a skill but a gateway to endless possibilities.
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