Vani Venugopal

I am a writer and editor with over 14 years of experience across multiple publications. Over the years, I have enjoyed creating and managing content for newspapers, magazines, web pages, social media and marketing. I am excited by projects that let me apply my skills to tell stories that engage, evoke and delight.

Imaginative play and children: Is screentime replacing the imaginary friend of your child?

Make-believe or imaginative play has a vital role in a child's overall development. Can excessive gadget usage pose a threat to our children's developing imagination by reducing the amount of time they engage in imaginative play? Read on to find outWhen I was young, I had an imaginary friend named Mili. We met during a summer vacation when my sister was away visiting my grandparents, leaving me bored at home. Those were the days before mobile phones and games when there was just one TV at home,...

STEAM Based Education: Why It Is Important For Young Children

STEAM education is taking learning to the next level. Read on to know how this well-rounded learning philosophy, which encourages creativity and innovation, can help your preschooler be future-readyAre you looking for ways to help your preschooler explore her world, ask questions, do her own research, make discoveries and solve problems?Welcome to the world of STEAM education!Until a few years ago, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education was regarded as a passport to good car...

Play Time and Story Time Are Not Passive Activities: Chetan Sharma

In an exclusive interview, illustrator and animator, Chetan Sharma, talks about his love for children's illustration, books that inspired him and why reading is important for childrenChetan Sharma is an award winning animator, film maker, illustrator, writer and voice over artist. He is the co-founder and director of Animagic, one of India's most reputed independent animation studios. He has directed and produced two feature animation films, six short films, and many award winning ads. His first...

How To Celebrate A Virtual Teachers' Day. We Bring You Some Fun And Effective Ways

Teachers have a great impact on our children's lives and it is important that we appreciate their contributions. Read on for fun ways to celebrate Teachers' Day virtuallyTeachers' Day, celebrated on 5 September in India in honor of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, has always been an important day for children. Apart from being a day of fun and activity at school, it is an opportunity for them to pause, reflect, and express appreciation for all the hard work that their teachers do for them. This expr...