Pioneer Playroom of the 1950’s

Abstract

Pioneer Playrooms (igroteka) the extracurricular play centers organized during the soviet time under the auspices of Houses of Young Pioneers. They were constructed by a single model created by Efim Minskin. The design reflected his belief that the centers have to parallel the school structure within the extracurricular sphere, emphasizing its mandatory and centralized nature. The selection of board games and other activities extended this idea. However, implementation of Minskin’s ideas was a lot more nuanced; instead of a singular model, a variety of interest-based groups emerged through creative educator-organizers' efforts.   Keywords: igroteka, House of Young Pioneers, extracurricular play centers, board games, puzzles