Eden Foundation’s Taichung Children Service Center, which operates the Taichung City Second District Children Development Community Resource Center, recently (on the 12th, Sep.) hosted the “Playing Together with You” event. The event featured parent-child games, DIY workshops, and storytelling theater, allowing parents to play and create alongside their children while gaining insight into their children’s developmental abilities at different stages through these interactive activities. This year’s event was specially combined with the 10th-anniversary celebration of the “Dream to Fly Story Theater Group”, a volunteer-led troupe. The event featured an anniversary exhibition area and a hand-puppet show, sharing with families the stories of how the theater group has accompanied children along their journey.
The “Dream to Fly Story Theater Group” is entering its 10th anniversary—let us all celebrate together!
The parent-child games section featured stations such as “Little Hands, Big Skills,” “Little Thinkers,” “I Can Do It Myself,” and “Little Sports Arena,” allowing children to practice fine motor skills, critical thinking, self-care, and physical activity through play. The parent-child DIY experience area provided opportunities for parents and children to create things together. Additionally, two “Magic Story House” sessions were held on-site, using stories and interactive activities to transport children into a world of imagination.
Parent-Child Play Area: Assisting Children Learn to Think
At the Dream to Fly Story Theater Group’s 10th anniversary exhibition area, parents and children can make keychains together and try their hand at puppetry. A static exhibition also provides an opportunity to learn about the theater group’s founding, creative process, and performances. The event also features a hand-puppet show by the “Want to Fly Story Theater Group”. The first performance is based on the picture book . Volunteers adapt the story into a hand-puppet show, using characters, props, and performance to guide children into the story. This also marks the start of the theater group’s journey to promote community inclusion. Every year, the theater group invites professional performers to serve as instructors, fostering ongoing creativity and supporting the growth of its members.
DIY Experience Area: Let us Get Creative Together
The “Dream to Fly Story Theater Group” is composed of volunteers, most of whom are family childcare service providers. They use their time after work to practice, discuss, and craft hand puppets and props. From story conception and rehearsals to performances, everything is accomplished collectively. Over the past 10 years, the theater group has staged 61 performances using stories and hand puppets, reaching more than 4,000 children. They hope to accompany even more children and provide parents and children with more opportunities for shared play and interaction.
Magic Story House: Fostering Parent-Child Interaction Through Stories
Eden indicates that with the widespread use of digital devices today, face-to-face interaction between parents and children has significantly decreased. Therefore, through these activities, we hope to encourage parents to put aside their tasks and spend time playing and exploring with their children. During these play sessions, parents can observe their children’s interests and abilities while also increasing opportunities for parent-child interaction. Children’s development requires continuous companionship and support from their families. In the future, Eden will continue to accompany children and parents through the stages of growth through parent-child activities, child development counseling, and related services, ensuring families receive appropriate support within the community.
The “Dream to Fly Story Theater Group” Presents a Hand Puppet Show
