Playground
A space to explore public goods by Collabactors, trigger imagination, connect the dots and open up conversations. Click on the categories below to explore further.
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How do adverse experiences in childhood shape who we become as adults?
This masterclass helps you understand childhood adversity and equips you with tools to foster resilience in children.
What does it take to truly support caregivers at work—not just in policy, but in everyday practice? Who gets left out, and what would it take to change that?
What does care look like when it’s not bought or borrowed—but shared?
Across India, communities are quietly raising children together.
How can everyday objects become powerful learning tools for children? This Masterclass by Swatantra Talim explores how contextual learning transforms ordinary materials into playful manipulatives, helping parents and educators create engaging learning experiences.
What if the tuition class down your lane isn’t just about alphabets and numbers, but something far more essential? In cities where formal childcare is missing, could these modest learning spaces actually be the quiet care systems we refuse to name?
What started as a one-rupee comic habit at a kirana shop grew into a quiet revolution. In Bhopal’s forgotten lanes, Saba Khan’s community libraries are rewriting what’s possible for girls, one story at a time.
How can educators create engaging, structured numeracy lessons using Teaching-Learning Materials (TLMs) and math games? Watch this Masterclass by Language and Learning Foundation (LLF) to explore effective strategies for foundational numeracy!
Factory crèches were meant to support workers, but many remain unsafe, inflexible, or out of reach. What if they were reimagined to truly serve parents—safe, shift-friendly, and shaped by workers’ needs?
Do we interrupt children’s thoughts without realizing it? Explore why silence is an essential part of learning—and how stepping back can allow a child’s mind to truly grow.
Daycare centres are struggling post-pandemic, hit by low enrolments and shifting family needs. Is this the end of traditional childcare—or the start of something more flexible, local, and new?
Missed the Masterclass? Watch the recording to learn how to establish a Creativity Club, explore low-resource activity ideas, and access a toolkit to spark young minds!
Missed the Masterclass? Watch the recording to uncover key caregiver personas and their influence on children’s learning in the digital age!
Sandhya Gupta and Prapti Bhasin ask us to imagine – What if math wasn’t a subject to fear, but a skill we already use? “Moms for Math” celebrates the everyday math in parenting, turning routines into joyful learning experiences for children.
Take a moment of quiet happiness to reflect on the findings of ASER 2024. More of youngest are enrolled in learning spaces and we are seeing a clear uptick in the reading and arithmetic levels of our little ones. It may just be an inflection point. A point where if we take the opportunity, we may see a generational shift for our youngest.
What if living, learning, and livelihood weren’t separate but part of one elegant, nested system? Reva Jhingan Malik invites us to rethink childhood as a seamless, instinctive journey—one where play, curiosity, and connection naturally shape a child’s foundation for life.
Discover three distinct caregiver personas from our research with e-Jaadui Pitaara app users—those who embrace technology, those who struggle, and those seeking balance. How does their approach shape a child’s learning? Dive into real-life insights on turning tech into a tool for empowerment.
Why is unstructured play essential for a child’s growth? In this interview, Deepika Mogilishetty unpacks the power of free play and why parents, educators, and policymakers must champion it.
What if assessments sparked joy instead of fear? Discover how the Opentree Foundation is using play to transform assessments, making them creative, engaging, and meaningful for children.
Hear directly from children as they redefine play, question adult expectations, and share how they navigate a world with shrinking play spaces.
Fathers and play—two words not often linked, yet a study reveals that Indian fathers cherish playing with their young children the most. Could it be that they instinctively know what science confirms—that play is essential for a child’s growth, learning, and emotional well-being?
When mothers come together, learning thrives! Discover how young mothers’ groups are creating supportive ecosystems that nurture children’s early growth and development.
India’s journey in parent engagement is part of a larger, global movement. This article featured in 𝘊𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘺 𝘝𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘗𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘚𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵: 𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘍𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘈𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥, published by Early Childhood Development Action Network (ECDAN) and the Global Initiative to Support Parents, brings out the diverse circumstances and voices of parents in India and celebrates the diversity of actions, solutions and networks that have emerged on ground in response.
Maternity leave is the norm in India, but what about paternity leave? Sweden’s model of shared parental leave challenges outdated norms, making care a collective responsibility. In India, extended families already step in—what if policies supported them? Care is about presence and choice. How can we rethink it?
We say it takes a village—but where is the village now? As caregiving becomes more individualised and hidden, how do we reimagine care as a shared practice rather than an invisible burden?
As early childhood spaces shift towards structured learning, play is increasingly sidelined in favour of measurable academic outcomes. But what if learning wasn’t just about getting ahead, but about growing whole? From weaving in Australia to craft-based learning in Finland, global practices show how play and culture can intertwine to create meaningful, holistic childhood experiences. In India, traditions like block printing, storytelling, and pottery offer untapped potential to bring joy, creativity, and emotional connection back into early learning.
It’s time to rethink childhood beyond school readiness—because play is not a distraction from learning; it is learning.
How can we make assessments more engaging and meaningful? Watch this Masterclass on play-based assessments to discover how play can unlock children’s creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Care work is the invisible backbone of our society—yet in India, it remains undervalued and unsupported. From overburdened Anganwadis to the shrinking number of crèches, caregivers navigate a fractured system with little institutional support. This piece explores the crisis, the systemic gaps, and what needs to change.
How can we better support children’s ideal childhoods?
In this episode of the Educators’ Commune Podcast, Parul Sheth, Ashish Srivastava, and Archana Mohan share reflections on children’s perspectives, the power of play, fostering agency, and the importance of listening and creating safe spaces.
Can play transform learning?
In this episode of the Educators’ Commune Podcast, Srinidhi Lakshmanan, Helen Issar, and Swetha Guhan share perspectives on the power of play-based learning and how it shapes mindsets, environments, and assessments.
How can we ensure children with disabilities receive the support they need during their crucial early years? This Masterclass explores the rights of children with disabilities, focusing on the role of various stakeholders in fostering inclusive education and early intervention.
Do children with disabilities play?
In this episode of the Educators’ Commune Podcast, listen to insights from Jo Chopra McGowan and Sonali Saini about how play can be made more accessible.
Do you want to translate children’s picture books in your language?
This Masterclass is packed with tips, tools, and hands-on activities to help you get started on your translation journey.
Did you know anyone can be an Art Facilitator?
Dive into the Creative Art Express videos!
How can we bring visual arts and socio-emotional learning to every classroom?
Watch this Masterclass on digital tools available to make this a reality!
Why Free Play? This video highlights the benefits of free play, drawing connections between fiction and real-life child growth.
Does play foster learning?
In this episode of the Educators’ Commune Podcast, listen to insights from initiatives of Pratham Education Foundation, Aga Khan Foundation and EduWeave Foundation.
Want to know where Bachpan Manao, Badhte Jao came from?
In this episode of the Educators’ Commune Podcast, Deepika Mogilishetty, Chief of Policy and Partnerships at EkStep Foundation, introduces the Bachpan Manao, Badhte Jao initiative sharing insights and stories on how this came to be and what the future holds in store.
As part of the campaign, GramVaani broadcasted 46 diverse episodes from the BMBJ network via their IVR platforms, reaching rural Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. You can access the IVRS content through here.
Want to know how to empower children as changemakers in a rapidly evolving world? Watch this Masterclass for practical activities on fostering empathy, and a mindset for positive change.
How can caregivers create play spaces at home with limited resources? This Masterclass explores low-cost, innovative solutions for creating safe and stimulating play environments for children in rural India.
How can we teach body literacy to young children? This Masterclass by Key Education Foundation explores innovative, culturally relevant ways to empower children, engage parents, and train teachers on body safety.
How can parents become active partners in a playful learning journey? This Masterclass shares strategies and real-world examples to inspire meaningful parent engagement in education.
What can teachers do when children aren’t thriving in school? This Masterclass shares innovative strategies to tackle learning challenges and build a happier, more purposeful classroom.
Does India’s legal and policy framework provide inclusive education for children with disabilities? Explore this report to learn about policy gaps and recommendations for inclusive education in India.
Unlock the magic of storytelling with Read-Aloud Resources! Dive into a treasure trove of guides, videos, and tools that transform simple read-aloud sessions into unforgettable journeys of imagination and learning.
This journal article examines the role of intuitive learning in early childhood and emphasizes the importance of integrating it into education to foster innovative thinking.
This journal article explores the impact of nonlinear and play-based learning interventions in promoting holistic growth and flexible, child-centered learning.
How can you create a math classroom where curiosity and active thinking thrive? This Masterclass explores strategies to build mathematical proficiency and a positive attitude toward math learning.
Curious to know about how to make Peer Teaching and Peer Learning a reality in your school? Check out this pocket book to find out!
Curious how performance tasks (PTs) can be used for holistic child assessment. Watch this Masterclass to design effective, and child-centric PTs.
How can creativity and reflection help you set meaningful goals for the year ahead? This Masterclass guides you through arts-based social-emotional learning to inspire clear intentions and foster experiential growth.
This report addresses India’s need for improved Early Childhood Education (ECE) per the National Education Policy 2020.
How can stories inspire change and amplify community voices? The Bachpan Manao: 100 Stories of Changemakers Masterclass helps you craft impactful narratives that celebrate early childhood champions and drive positive action.
How can you make stories come alive for children? This Masterclass helps you master the art of reading aloud, using fun techniques to ignite imagination and inspire young minds.
How can we create inclusive learning environments for students with Specific Learning Disabilities? This Masterclass explores strategies, tools, and innovative practices to build accessible education ecosystems and empower every learner.
Do we know what early childhood looks like in India?
#ChildhoodDialogues is a space designed for capturing ideas, showcasing efforts, and enabling conversations around early childhood looks like in India today.
EkStep and it’s ecosystem partners (over 35+ participants) together systematically gathered insights from the field. Here’s a glimpse.
Curious about how to celebrate a Bachpan Manao tyohar? Check out this template of ideas to know more.
Explore curricular goals as highlighted in the National Curriculum Framework – Foundational Stage
Ideas on collabaction with Bachpan Manao, Badhte Jao
An AI powered chatbot trained on the National Curriculum Framework.
Resources for content creators to make content inclusive.
Pratham Books StoryWeaver’s #GetChildrenReading initiative curates storybooks, activities and more for the early childhood years.
Can you identify the learning moments as a child grows? Watch this short video on some moments of childhood that are significant in a child’s growth
प्रारंभिक वर्षों को समझने का नज़रिया
Buntings with quotes from ‘Bachpan Manao, Badhte Jao’
Bookmarks from ‘Bachpan Manao, Badhte Jao’
Stickers for books, electronic gadgets, and anywhere else you’d like to celebrate ‘Bachpan Manao, Badhte Jao’
Beautifully illustrated conversations, by Dinesh Francis, from the Childhood Workshop that sum it all up.
Explore a rich tapestry of insights from childhood development experts, illustrated by Dinesh Francis, revealing the future of education.
A glossary of terms used in the Childhood Workshop
Provocative questions and prompts that make you think deeper about the challenges in Early Childhood.
Why do we need to reclaim & build spaces for our kids? Anthill Creations elaborate on this and more.
Take a peek inside India’s innovative, DIY, sustainable playgrounds by Anthill Creations.
This detailed document gives an account of the research, insights, and inferences that led to the birth of Bachpan Manao Badhte Jao.
How-to videos in English to engage with children in different ways.
Discover the magic of everyday moments with Baatein Sneh Khel. This platform reveals how simple acts of talk, care, and play can unlock a world of learning and growth for young children.
Step into the world of Librarians of India, where stories of transformation come alive. Discover how librarians are turning libraries into vibrant spaces of learning, inclusion, and community impact across the nation.
A comprehensive framework that outlines the country’s vision and goals for education reform across various levels
A super connector to cross leverage ecosystem capabilities and catalyse innovation in skilling and education.
Check out this Indian government program focused on enhancing literacy and numeracy skills among school children.
A microsite by The Better India that creates a space for dialogues around Early Childhood in India.
Librarians as changemakers? Watch a short clip showcasing the transformation of public libraries by the amazing librarians of Karnataka!
Jo McGowan-Chopra and Rupa Bishnoi of Latika share how inclusivity in early childhood care can go a long way in a person’s holistic development.
Experts in early childhood care and education share how India can better ensure that its children don’t fall behind.
A detailed framework and guide to how India can impart quality foundational stage education.
What do good libraries look like? How can you set up one yourself? Read this Starter kit to find out.
How can libraries become spaces of play and learning? Read these transformative stories of librarians to find out.
Shankar Maruwada, CEO of EkStep Foundation, explains what India’s policymakers have in store for its children.
What do parents have to share about the first time their children spoke, ate, or did something new on their own? Watch this heartwarming video and find out.
Why are the Early Years of a child so important? What can parents do to maximise the opportunity of these years? Read this report to find out and more.
Where is India in its journey of achieving Foundational Literacy and Numeracy? Check out the report to know more.
What are the benefits of reading aloud to children? And how do you conduct one? Check out this guide to find out.
How does the child experience the world? What and who does she learn from? Can your recognise her learning moments?
The Better India summarises what the Jaadui Pitaara, India’s play-based learning material for 3 to 8 year old children, is.
Anurag Behar, CEO of Azim Premji University, shares his views on India’s National Curriculum Framework – Foundational Stage.
Namya Mahajan, Co-founder of Rocket Learning, highlights the importance of involving parents in Anganwadi centers to enhance early childhood care and education.
Mangal Pandey, CEO of Key Education Foundation, advocates the transformation of Anganwadi Centers in India into vibrant learning spaces.
Rohini Nilekani, Founder of EkStep Foundation, underscores India’s unique opportunity to achieve universal foundational literacy and numeracy.
Shankar Maruwada, CEO of EkStep Foundation, emphasizes the opportunity for India to improve early childhood education as the child demographic decreases, stressing the need for diverse solutions.
Are Anganwadi Workers equipped to teach the youngest of our children, Rocket Learning’s study sheds light on this and more.
What do fathers think about preschool education? Find out more from Probex’s research on fathers’ beliefs and challenges in engaging with their preschool-age children.
Do the professional development opportunities available for Early Educators address their needs and challenges? Key Education Foundation’s study on this provides remarkable insights.
How many different kinds of primary caregivers are there? Illume’s research lets us know.
What are the different attitudes, aspirations, and challenges of primary caregivers? Illume’s research sheds light on this.
What concepts are the foundation of Early Childhood? These Building Blocks provide answers that can transform early childhood approaches.
Do parents thinks learning and play are linked? Prof. Venita Kaul, Professor Emerita (Education) at Ambedkar University, Delhi, sheds light on this.
Does the practice of reframing change our perspectives? Jo Chopra-McGowan, Executive Director of the Latika Roy Foundation, elaborates on this.
Is the medium irrelevant if the message is strong? Bharat Bevinahally, Co-Founder of the Kutuki Learning App, conveys his views.
Is it okay for children to be obsessed with a topic? Helen Issar, Founder of Papagoya Education, shares more on this.
Does a mother’s mental health affect the child? Dr. Shoba Srinath, former Head of Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at NIMHANS, Bengaluru, responds.
Do parents understand compentencies? Sashwati Banerjee, Founding Director of Humanitus, addresses this crucial question.
What should curriculum focus on? Dr. Rukmini Banerji, CEO of Pratham Education Foundation, shares her views.
Why is a flexible curriculum necessary? Listen to Nomita Sikand, Co-founder of Gubbachi Learning Community, and find out why.
Are public urban spaces designed keeping young children and their caregivers in mind? Find out more from Rushda Majeed, Chief Program Officer of Van Leer Foundation.
Are we in a hurry to turn children into students? Watch the video and discover insights that were unearthed at the Early Childhood Workshop, 2022
Did you know that children learn by shadowing their parents? Watch the video to understand the influence of parental behavior on children’s development.
Do you think invested parenting is only about teaching a child literacy or numeracy? Watch the video for the answer and more.
