Rediscovering Tactile Learning & Sensory Immersion in a Digital Age: TA-DA! Talks PLAY with Melissa Bernstein
Day 10 of the TA-DA! Bilingual Blogathon: Exploring the Facets of Tactile Learning with Melissa Bernstein
Melissa Bernstein in her Creative Haven: Where Hands-On Play Takes Life
Welcoming Melissa Bernstein - Vanguard in Tactile Play and Treasured Advisor to TA-DA!
Foreword by Michelle Glorieux, CEO & Founder of TA-DA! Language Productions
Globally celebrated for imaginative, hands-on toys, Melissa & Doug has been a staple in children’s playrooms for decades.
At the heart of this iconic brand stands Melissa Bernstein—a mother of six, an entrepreneur, and a source of personal inspiration to many, myself included.
The Heart and Soul Behind Melissa & Doug: Family First
Did You Know?
Melissa isn't just a genius in tactile play; she's also a polyglot! Fluent in Spanish as a child and experienced in Japanese, her linguistic skills underscore her depth and breadth as an advisor in our language-centric mission at TA-DA!
Having Melissa as an advisor is nothing short of a privilege. Her decades of experience, paired with the introspective wisdom she offers through her latest venture, 'Lifelines,' enrich not just my personal growth but also the trajectory of TA-DA! Language Productions.
While our journey at TA-DA! has been marked by extraordinary collaborations and innovations, the road has been far from easy. For those who think snagging Grammy winners for our projects implies smooth sailing, let me dispel that notion. The behind-the-scenes grind is relentless, emotionally draining, and often a solo endeavor. It's at these low points that Melissa's mentorship shines like a lighthouse, guiding and motivating me to press on.
Many don't realize that entrepreneurship—especially in a field as critical and sensitive as early childhood education—is a labor of love that requires constant nurturing. Each day is a hurdle, and each decision feels monumental when your vision is as ambitious as reshaping how children learn languages. Here, the support and wisdom from advisors like Melissa are not just helpful; they're a lifeline.
Beyond toys, Melissa’s foray into her own 'Lifelines' is a testament to her commitment to sensory immersion, emphasizing the profound role it plays across all age groups.
It's no coincidence that the ethos of TA-DA! aligns seamlessly with Melissa's vision. Our Talking Books channel the power of multisensory interaction, inviting children to connect with global languages and cultures through touch, sound, and imaginative play.
Melissa's extraordinary path is a narrative of innovation, resilience, and genuine authenticity. It is with immense excitement and anticipation that I am honored to share her invaluable perspective on tactile learning and sensory immersion, a salient message in our increasingly digital world.
Welcome to day 10 of our 20-day Bilingual Blogathon!
Where the Ocean Meets Imagination: The Eternal Playground
Rediscovering Tactile Learning & Sensory Immersion in a Digital Age
By Melissa Bernstein
Finding Serenity at Sunrise: Melissa's Solace by the Sea
Our digital lives, while convenient, often overshadow the profound impact of sensory experiences. From the soft touch of a plush toy in the hands of a child to the therapeutic effect of lavender on a stressed adult, our senses connect us to the world in ways screens cannot.
As I have delved deeper into the world of sensory immersion with my new company ‘Lifelines’, I have discovered a newfound appreciation for our senses as ‘gateways’. They're bridges to emotions, anchors to memories, and pathways to peace.
When I began crafting toys decades ago, it wasn't just about creating an object for children to play with; it was about designing an experience.
In an era that increasingly leans towards the virtual, I've always held a deep appreciation for tactile experiences. The power of touch, texture, and hands-on exploration doesn't just offer play; it offers a journey into ourselves.
Here’s how:
1. Deep Engagement:
Tactile play, by nature, is immersive. When children engage with physical objects, they use multiple senses simultaneously, leading to deeper understanding and retention. Every texture they feel, every weight they gauge, and every shape they discern, provides a learning opportunity.
"Play is the work of childhood, and toys are the tools." - Jean Piaget
2. Fostered Imagination:
Hand-held toys are often open-ended, meaning they aren't restricted to one way of play. This encourages children to be inventive, to create their narratives, and to explore without boundaries. In a way, every tactile toy is a blank canvas, waiting for a child's imagination to bring it to life.
I had the occasion to witness a child play with a simple wooden doll house set we designed. Instead of using it as a traditional home with people and furniture, the little boy crafted a home of cars, complete with characters, challenges, and resolutions. That's the magic of tactile toys – they're what the child makes of them.
3. Linguistic Development:
When children play with tactile toys, especially in a shared environment, they're prompted to articulate their thoughts, describe their actions, and converse with others. This natural flow of language, emerging from play, can be instrumental in building bilingual skills.
"Language is the road map of a culture. It tells you where its people come from and where they are going."
- Rita Mae Brown
4. Balancing the Digital Tide:
While the digital world offers a plethora of learning opportunities, tactile play offers a grounding experience.
It brings children back to the real world, helping them connect with their surroundings and develop essential motor skills.
Looking back at why I started crafting toys, it was this innate understanding of the power of touch, exploration, and imagination. I believe every child deserves a balanced experience, one that combines the wonders of the digital age with the foundational benefits of tactile play.
From Playful Innocence to Holistic Well-being
As children, we're intrinsically connected to our senses. Let us not forget the essential need for playtime, a journey of discovery - of textures, sounds, and colors.
Melissa Bernstein: The Quintessence of Joyful Learning and Discovery"
As adults, amidst the cacophony of modern life, we often forget the serenity these sensory explorations bring.
With Lifelines, my mission is to reintroduce this serenity - to bring forth tools and experiences that help relieve stress, spark joy, and, most importantly, reconnect us to the simplicity and magic of our senses.
In a world where stress is often a constant, let's remember the respite our senses offer.
Let's not just touch, but feel. Not just look, but see. Not just hear, but listen.
It's time we come to our senses and rediscover the joy in every moment.
For every parent, teacher, and guardian reading this, my message is simple: In the rush of modern life, let's not forget the timeless benefits of tactile play.
It's a world of exploration, learning, and growth, all at the tips of our children's fingers.
Warmly,
Melissa
More Magic from Melissa:
Harnessing Tactile Learning and Boosting Bilingualism: A Collaborative Vision. (In PDF form here if you’d like to print it out and stick it on the fridge for this week’s bilingual family inspiration.)
The Power of Our Senses:
Sensory immersion encompasses all our senses, each playing a unique role in enriching our experiences and well-being.
Seeing:
Visual stimuli, whether it's a child's toy or a calming landscape, can evoke emotions and memories.
Hearing:
Sounds, be it the laughter of children or the soothing rhythm of nature, transport us to different states of mind.
Smelling:
Scents can immediately evoke memories and influence our mood, offering an instant anchor to moments of calm.
Tasting:
Flavors, both familiar and new, allow us to explore the world and its cultures.
Creating:
The act of creation, be it crafting, drawing, or even playing, is a profound expression of self and a means of exploration.
My Journey with Michelle and TA-DA!: Cultivating Curiosity Across Ages
From the gentle rustle of a TA-DA!® talking book page to the scents that transport us to cherished memories, our senses root us in the present moment, far from digital distractions. As children, we navigate our world using these senses.
TA-DA!® elevates this sensory exploration by unveiling diverse languages and cultures in an engaging and delightful, sensorial-rich manner.
Through 'Lifelines', I'm on a mission to extend this tactile wonder beyond childhood, ensuring everyone, regardless of age, can re-immerse in the magic our senses promise.
Together with TA-DA!, let's champion the pledge to live in each moment — to touch, see, hear, and immerse ourselves passionately.
- Melissa Bernstein
Hi there,
It’s Michelle again.
Isn’t Melissa simply inspiring?! The journeys of TA-DA! and Melissa may differ in origin but they converge in a shared intent: to enrich lives through tangible, multisensory experiences.
This alignment isn't mere serendipity; it's a testament to the profound impact that hands-on, sensory-rich learning can have at any age.
To all who believe in the beauty of hands-on learning and cultural immersion, I warmly invite you to delve into the TA-DA! Talking Book experience.
For those keen on diving deeper into Melissa Bernstein's transformative philosophy and the personal journey behind her entrepreneurial triumph, her introspective work, 'Lifelines,' comes highly recommended.
Melissa, thank you for supporting me and ma raison d’être; not to mention, taking the time to share your voice with our community, enlightening all of us with the importance of hands-on play. (While launching a new brand at that.)
I’ll forever cherish the opportunity to learn and grow alongside you, not to mention having your wisdom as a true guiding force.
Explore TA-DA!'s Talking Books | Subscribe to the 20-day Bilingual Blogathon
\\
TA-DA!’s Commitment to Sensory Immersion
Nurturing Creativity:
TA-DA!'s Talking Books foster imagination, transforming language learning into a delightful voyage.
Power of Tactile Learning:
Our products amplify Melissa's advocacy for hands-on experiences, helping languages transcend screens.
Cultural Exploration:
TA-DA! products embrace cultural nuances, allowing children to grasp both language and culture.
Quality and Authenticity:
Our commitment to quality mirrors that of Melissa & Doug, and now Lifelines, partnering with renowned experts to ensure our products stand out.
Inclusive Learning:
Like Melissa’s universally appealing toys, TA-DA! champions inclusive language education, celebrating every child's unique journey.
