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Author: Toybank
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EVENTSIMPORTANCE OF PLAY
May 23, 2023

Play for Transformation: Toybank roundtable discussion

The need to make Play mainstream and an integral part of society can never be emphasised enough. After all, play improves the educational, health and employability outcomes for children.
 
Driving on this notion, Toybank hosted its first-ever round table, to discuss ‘Play for Transformation’ and how to make it mainstream. The session was attended by Toybank’s trustees, board members and supporters.
 
Is Play understood and prominent in India? Is there a need to fully understand play before incorporating it into a child’s lifestyle? Notions like it is creativity and a child creating something is playing restricts its definition. If we redefine play, it may have a greater impact on children. The panel reckoned it’s a state of mind that can give you clarity of thought and minimize frustrations, which can be implemented in different aspects of life.
 
WHAT’S PLAY-GUING PLAY?
Play has been mainstreamed only in Scandinavian countries that have recognized its power. In India, it’s still as sidelined as mental health. The reason for play being just tangential indicated several issues it’s dealing with.
 
It comes at a cost 
Even though the right of every child, Toybank Advisory Board Member Vivek Jhangiani and CEO at United Toys, President of The All India Toy Manufacturers Association (TAITMA) and Ambassador for Value of Play in the Indian toy industry, pointed out that play is accessible only to the affluent. There’s a considerable gap between India and the world when it comes to the commercials of play. “In India, the per capita of games, toys or sports-related products on a single child does not cross $3 a year, as opposed to $300-400 in the US. The mindset of an average Indian towards play comes partly from limited resources,” Vivek states. 
 

“In India, the per capita of games, toys or sports-related products on a single child does not cross $3 a year, as opposed to $300-400 in the US”

— Vivek Jhangiani, Toybank Advisory Board Member & CEO, United Toys
 
Advisory Board Member Ratan Batliboi, Board Chair and Hon. Trustee at CRY, further stated that we do not need props, money, space or urban planning to play. It’s an innate behavioral shift that needs to transpire. The critical issue is how one can communicate the long-term change in a parent body and students.
 
Play v/s sport
Parents consider academics and extra-curricular activities as important and play does not figure in the scheme of things unless it’s a sport that can be taken up as a career. As key enablers, it’s important that parents understand why play is important. The fun of participation is initiated in a child through play, along with the joy of winning and learning from defeat; later come personality development, extroversion, etc. Learning to play with others and making new friends help make better kids. However, India is yet to realize these benefits; unlike Africa, which is comparable with us in terms of poverty and other issues. But they have a culture of sports that brings them out of their miseries and makes them better athletes.
 
 
We do not value play
The ecosystem for play is not quite conducive in India. Policies, lack of urban planning as well as encouragement by parents to send kids to play are some other issues. Toybank supporter Sumangali Gada, Founder and trustee at the PRAJA Foundation, reasoned that even if we get the why of play, we do not value it. “Though we want children to learn empathy, critical thinking and such values, we are at sea about how to actualize these qualities. There are barely any schools that walk the talk and espouse the values that play entails,” says she. 
 
Performance over play
One of the primary reasons why children do not get enough benefits of play is competitiveness. Nimesh Sumati of Caring Friends says we need to urge parents to not make kids compete but just play. This tendency has percolated to the lower strata of the society, with children facing peer pressure, with performance given more importance than play.
 

Lack of urban planning and parents encouraging children to play are other issues preventing the mainstreaming of Play.

 
 
Play is an add-on 
Taking Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs into consideration, with basic issues like food and literacy that India is faced with, play does not get the prominence it deserves, Samonnoi Banerjee, Bain Capital, Managing Director in the Healthcare and Technology, Media & Telecommunications Verticals stated. Play will always be an add-on. It will always be equal to recreation and not a conscious mechanism of development. Unless it is brought into people’s consciousness through a communication or a big campaign like Swachh Bharat, we may never fully comprehend its importance. He further observed that we are looking at a large-scale impact. Accessibility and affordability can be solved through some other ways if we admit that play is important and makes a difference.
IMPORTANCE OF PLAYRESEARCH
May 23, 2023

The transformative power of play: More than just fun

In a world that often prioritises productivity and achievement, the importance of play can be easily overlooked. However, renowned psychiatrist Dr. Stuart Brown, in his inspiring TED Talk titled “Play Is More Than Just Fun,” sheds light on the profound impact that play has on our lives. At Toybank, we wholeheartedly believe in the transformative power of play and how it can shape the lives of children. 

In this blog post, we delve into Dr. Stuart Brown’s insightful talk and explore the significance of play in fostering creativity, resilience, and overall well-being.

  • Play as a fundamental need:
    Dr. Stuart Brown emphasises that play is not just an activity for children, but a fundamental need that extends throughout our lifespan. Play is the gateway to learning, exploration, and self-expression. It fuels our imagination, stimulates curiosity, and allows us to engage fully in the present moment.

  • The link between play and creativity:
    Dr. Brown highlights the strong connection between play and creativity. Through play, we discover new possibilities, experiment with different ideas, and cultivate innovative thinking. Whether it’s building with blocks, creating artwork, or engaging in imaginative play, children develop crucial problem-solving and critical thinking skills that lay the foundation for a lifetime of creativity.

  • Play as a catalyst for resilience:
    Play provides a safe space for children to navigate challenges, overcome obstacles, and develop resilience. As Dr. Brown explains, through playful experiences, children learn to adapt, collaborate, and persist in the face of setbacks. They build emotional resilience, learning to manage stress and regulate their emotions effectively.

  • The social benefits of play:
    Play also serves as a powerful tool for building social connections and fostering empathy. In play, children learn to navigate social dynamics, negotiate, and cooperate with others. They develop essential social skills such as communication, empathy, and conflict resolution, which are vital for building healthy relationships and thriving in a diverse society.

Dr. Stuart Brown’s enlightening TED Talk reinforces what we have always known at Toybank – play is more than just fun; it is a fundamental aspect of human development. By providing children with opportunities for play, we empower them to grow, learn, and express themselves. Play has the power to shape resilient, creative, and compassionate individuals who can positively impact society.

At Toybank, we are committed to creating safe and inclusive spaces where at-risk children can experience the transformative power of play. Through our play programmes, we strive to ensure that every child has the opportunity to explore, discover, and develop their full potential. 

Remember, play is not just a luxury; it is a necessity for a brighter and more fulfilling future.

Source: Play Is More Than Just Fun. TED Talk. Dr. Stuart Brown. (2008, May)

RESEARCH
May 23, 2023

‘Adult memories of childhood play’ study: Path to brighter futures

In the 1980s, researcher Dr. Bergen and researchers Wen Liu and Geng Liu surveyed American and Chinese college students about what they remembered as the most important play experiences of their elementary years. 

The study, published in the International Journal of Educology in 1997, revealed that the majority of American college students remembered pretend play as the most significant play activity (52%), while the majority of Chinese students recalled games with rules as the most important activity (59%). Chinese students were more likely to say that their childhood play affected their personality (58%), while American students were more likely to say that play influenced their choice of vocation or hobbies as an adult (41% and 34%, respectively).

Even now I love to imagine myself doing something, then I set a goal and do it.

American students typically credited pretend play for their positive adult abilities

Despite these interesting cultural differences, the majority of Chinese and American students stated that their primary motivation for play was “fun.”

Games have made me brave, decisive, self-confident and able to deal with things quickly.

Chinese college student revealed how playing games with rules resulted in positive personality traits as an adult

There is no denying that play is fun, and certainly fun is its biggest draw. However, children also develop critical cognitive, emotional, social, and physical skills as they play. Research has shown that play contributes to proper brain development. The skills children learn through play in the early developmental years set the stage for future learning and success from the kindergarten classroom to the workplace.

Every day hundreds of children across Maharashtra embark on their journey of joyful discovery through Toybank’s play programmes. They are learning how to learn, how to get along with each other and deal with life’s situations all through the power of play.

Source: The Strong National Museum of Play. (n.d.). When I Was a Kid: Adult Memories of Play 





POLICY
May 23, 2023

Early childhood education: Exploring the National Curriculum Framework

Early childhood care and education are key areas of development, according to the National Curriculum Framework 2022

The Indian government’s launch of the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) for Education 2022 of Children in the 3-8 Years Age Group marks a significant milestone in the field of early childhood education.

This framework aims to provide a strong foundation for the holistic development of young children across the country. At Toybank, we recognise the importance of early childhood education and its impact on shaping the lives of children.

In this blog post, we delve into the key aspects of the National Curriculum Framework and its implications for early childhood education in India.

  • A comprehensive approach to learning:
    The National Curriculum Framework emphasises a child-centered and play-based approach to education. It recognises the significance of play in fostering creativity, imagination, and cognitive development. By incorporating play-based activities into the curriculum, children are encouraged to actively explore their surroundings, engage in hands-on learning, and develop a love for lifelong learning.

For the first time in 50 Kendriya Vidyalayas, on pilot-mode, we are launching play schools in an institutionalised form with a targeted learning outcome on a pedagogy based on this NCF.


– Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan

  • Holistic development:
    The framework emphasises the holistic development of children, encompassing their cognitive, socio-emotional, and physical well-being. It encourages the integration of various domains of development, such as language and literacy, numeracy, social skills, and physical development, into a cohesive learning experience. This holistic approach ensures that children receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for future academic and personal success.

  • Inclusivity and diversity:
    The National Curriculum Framework recognises the diverse needs and backgrounds of children in India. It emphasises the importance of creating inclusive and welcoming learning environments that cater to the unique abilities, interests, and cultural contexts of every child. This inclusivity promotes social cohesion, empathy, and respect for diversity among young learners, setting a strong foundation for a harmonious and inclusive society.

The launch of the National Curriculum Framework for the Education of Children in the 3-8 Years Age Group is a significant step towards enhancing early childhood education in India. At Toybank, we believe in the power of play to foster holistic development, ignite curiosity, and nurture a love for learning from an early age. Through our play programmes, we strive to complement and supplement the efforts of early childhood educators.

Together, let us create a vibrant and inclusive early childhood education landscape that empowers every child to reach their full potential and lays a strong foundation for their future success.

Source: India Today. (2022, October 21). Govt Launches National Curriculum Framework for Education of Children in 3-8 Yrs Age Group

RESEARCH
May 23, 2023

In Jamaica, playing is a serious business: Early childhood stimulation study

We had the simple idea that if we get mothers to play more with their children, it would help the children’s brain to develop and they would catch up with their fortunate peers.
– Christine Powell, Senior Lecturer, University of the West Indies
  • More than 20 years ago, researchers in Jamaica sought to boost stunted, disadvantaged children by teaching their mothers to stimulate them using talk and play.
  • An impact evaluation allowed researchers to measure the programme’s effectiveness by comparing beneficiary children with similarly disadvantaged children whose mothers didn’t get the programme.
  • The children have been tracked ever since and the results have been remarkable. Watch the video below. 

Results:

The simple two-year intervention laid a strong foundation for:
• Increased cognitive and social skills
• Higher grades & reduced drop-outs
• Higher earnings
• 98% of the children were employed at the age of 22
• 94% were empowered to break the cycle of poverty with full-time jobs
• Reduction in anxiety and depression

Source: The World Bank 

DONATIONREPORT
April 10, 2023

Annual Report 2019-20: Ensuring happy childhoods

Mainstreaming Play requires concerted efforts. And our partners, collaborators and volunteers have held us in good stead in our endeavour. If we deny children their Right to Play, we deny them their right to understand the world.

DONATIONREPORT
April 10, 2023

Annual Report 2020-21: COVID-19 response

Mainstreaming Play requires concerted efforts. And our partners, collaborators and volunteers have held us in good stead in our endeavour. If we deny children their Right to Play, we deny them their right to understand the world.

IMPORTANCE OF PLAY
February 6, 2023

Positive mental health through the power of play

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IMPORTANCE OF PLAYPLAY2LEARN
August 10, 2022

The Sibling Paradox: To Play or not to Play?

Siblings are best friends that you are blessed with and most likely spend the most time playing with growing up. These relationships span unmatched rivalry to late-night bonding sessions discussing life and challenges on each other’s bed. However, one thing you can count on siblings to do is to create unforgettable memories made during play-time—from lucky breaks and intense strategies to striking the winning moves. Here are some games that bring back the nostalgia of staying home and playing with siblings.

Monopoly
This game helped us learn a bit about how real estate works. Children learn how to make decisions on how some spaces are more valuable than others and simultaneously develop their cognitive as well as executive function skills. However, never once has this game ever been completed in peace when played with siblings as someone has amassed more money and property and is close to making the others bankrupt – chaos ensues.

UNO
This colourful card game teaches kids colour and number recognition and observation skills. Especially, when played with siblings it boosts exceptional attention to detail among many other things. Suddenly each sibling is well-aware of how many cards the other has picked or the number of cards one threw down in the pile. Uno has also been tweaked with households having created different rules with the much debated: Can you play a Draw 4 on a Draw 2? Thus UNO helps children build their creativity as they create new challenges and rules for the game, as well as, always keep an eye out for the hidden Draw-4 that could be hiding in their sibling’s hands.

Hide and Seek
While this game developed our gross motor coordination, muscle development and builds strength. It also encourages the children to observe and come up with good hiding spots. However, when played with siblings, this game encourages children to think extra hard about where to hide or to think outside the box- whether it is to go outside the designated area for hiding or camouflaging in the background.

It’s these play-filled moments that build the foundation of support and trust for the rest of our life. While sibling relationships are often affected by family dynamics, age, gender and more, it’s during playtime that children get to interact with each other on an equal footing and connect as individuals. Sibling bonds strengthen and they become our support system through the time spent playing together – whether it is one-on-one or as a team with other members of the family. games played with them that we bond, develop critical thinking and social skills while creating memories that last a lifetime.

Image credits: Pixabay

IMPORTANCE OF PLAYPLAY2LEARN
July 20, 2022

Chess: Of 64 squares and winning moves

Most of us would have tried our hand at a game of chess at some point, but many do not know that children as young as three to five years can benefit from playing the game. They learn to strategise, analyse, and decode while developing foresight and comprehension skills while playing this ancient board game. Created almost 1500 years ago in India, this popular game has shown an increase in concentration, memory, logical thinking, problem-solving skills and creativity. Chess has thrived for centuries and today we have international championships and acclaimed Grandmasters of the game, all under the watchful eyes of the International Chess Federation(FIDE), who have the final word on the rules and regulation of the game.

India Story
With Grandmasters like Vishwanathan Anand and Praggnanandha, Chess is played very widely across India and is especially loved by children. Currently, there are around 40 Grandmasters below the age of 15 years with Gukesh D who took the title of India’s youngest GM at 12 years, 7 months and 17 days, succeeding Praggnanandhaa who held the record at 12 years and 10 months since June of 2018.

Game Play
A game of chess can last from a few seconds, known as blitz or rapid, to hours or even days, when played in its long format. The game can be roughly divided into three stages: Opening, Middlegame and Endgame. While the Openings are more about learning different theories to position one’s chess pieces strategically on the board, the Endgame is mastering the winning moves after most pieces have been exchanged. The Middlegame is where the player can unleash his strategic thinking and creativity and play some signature moves.

Chess is a well-loved board game at Toybank’s Play2Learn centres with children from 10 years onwards getting introduced to the various nuances of this exciting mind game that requires patience as well as stamina. Even our volunteers are active proponents of this game and join our play sessions to teach our kids the ropes of winning.

Photo credit: Pixabay