Play is far more than recreation—it is a powerful driver of learning, creativity, and holistic development in early childhood. Pedagogies of Play: Innovations in Early Childhood Education brings together 10 articles by leading educators, foundations, and practitioners that demonstrate how play-based learning can transform early childhood education within classrooms and extend beyond communities into entire education systems.

Launched at Building Flourishing Futures 2026, the collection explores how play-based approaches can transform the way children learn, both at school and at home. The publication shares insights from educators, policymakers, and practitioners, highlighting initiatives that foster curiosity, agency, and social-emotional growth among young learners.

The book showcases innovative programmes across India, from anganwadi learning labs, pre-schools integrating classrooms as “third teachers,” and community-driven, which leverage parents and local stakeholders to create vibrant, playful learning environments. It also examines capacity-building efforts for teachers, caregivers, and community members, emphasising the role of culturally relevant resources, locally sourced educational materials, and low-cost toys in supporting equitable early childhood education.

Furthermore, Pedagogies of Play highlights the integration of technology and cross-sector partnerships to bridge gaps in access, quality, and engagement. By combining evidence-based pedagogy, community participation, and scalable innovations, the publication offers a comprehensive view of how play-based learning can nurture lifelong skills, inclusivity, and agency in children. It is an essential resource for anyone invested in shaping equitable, joyful, and effective early childhood education ecosystems.