An audio visual puzzle designed for Pre-K to Gr 1 students to increase familiarity with the Skwx̱wú7mesh Language, as well as develop spatial reasoning and hand eye-coordination skills. The puzzle and shapes are light enough to be handled by children, and are very durable.
When a piece is placed in the correct position, it pushes a button which plays a recording of the name of the corresponding animal in the Skwx̱wú7mesh language. The puzzle is made from plywood, which is lightweight and durable
BRIEF
Design and build a toy that introduces the Skwx̱wú7mesh language for a local elementary school.
WHAT I DID
Recognizing that many Canadian First Nation languages, such as Skwx̱wú7mesh, have historically been oral languages, I focused on developing an audio communication toy with the written form as a secondary benefit. This puzzle was designed specifically to be used by Pre-K to Gr 1 students, as a fun and engaging way to learn common words at an early age and support language development.
Native animals and trees were selected for the puzzle pieces, which are commonly seen throughout the Squamish area and at the location of the North Vancouver school where this puzzle is currently being used.
This project was supported by the Skwx̱wú7mesh Nation, and they provided audio recordings of an elder pronouncing the names of the animals in the toy.
The names of the animals are written on the back of each wooden block in both Squamish and English language.
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