Why Unstructured Play Is Critical To Kids’ Development: Hear From Expert Deepika Mogilishetty

Deepika Mogilishetty's journey of two decades in India's social change sector has relied on two pillars - inclusion and access. She has led initiatives and also worked with government and not-for-profit organisations globally in areas of public policy, human rights, justice and social change. Mogilishetty, who earned an honours degree from the National Law School of India University, Bangalore, was part of the start-up team at AADHAAR in 2009 and the Law and Policy Advisor of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). She led a program on 'access to justice for women' as the India Head of 'Global Rights – Partners for Justice', an International human rights organisation.   

Presently working as the Chief of Policy and Partnerships and part of the leadership team at EkStep Foundation, Mogilishetty understands the nitty-gritty of leveraging the power of networks and narratives to bring focus and attention to the growth and development of children in the early years. Playtime, as she says, should be more than just a game - it should be providing a free space for a child to grow at one's own pace and choosing. 

In an interview with SheThePeople, Deepika Mogilishetty discusses the significance of non-structured play in a child's life in India and why parents, educators and policymakers must come together to secure children's present that will eventually help them adapt to change in the future. 

Excerpts from the interview

Can you elaborate on the significance of play during the first 3000 days (or the first 8 years) of a child's life?

Play is how children learn and grow. Several studies point out that a child's brain develops more in the first three years of life than at any other time. For instance, when children play hide-and-seek, they are developing their cognitive skills. When they babble, they are improving their social skills; singing and dancing help them develop their emotional skills. This list can go on. Through play, they explore their environment, develop skills and bond with their parent or caregivers.

How does non-structured play contribute to the development of essential skills such as language development, emotional regulation, social interaction, and cognitive abilities?

Unstructured play, or free play, helps develop creativity and social competence. It encourages children to engage in free play without adult-imposed goals or rules. Since it is initiated and controlled by the children themselves, it ignites children's imagination and provides them with a unique and fun-filled experience. Children develop social competence that helps them handle challenging real-life situations when they are adults. National Curriculum Framework for the Foundational Stages, 2022 emphasises the significance of free play, particularly among children in their early years, but not only limited to this age group. Free play allows children to make choices, explore and learn in a self-directed manner. 

How does non-structured play compare to structured play or formal education in terms of developmental benefits?

In structured play, a child follows instructions set out by an adult, such as a parent, grandparent, or caregiver. In contrast, in unstructured play, a child does what they want without any instruction or direction from adults. As per a 2024 article in the Indian Journal of Neurology, "An optimal way of providing enriching, hands-on, and deep early learning experiences and promoting holistic growth in children is by encouraging play during early childhood."

Children should spend at least an hour in free play as it provides a learning opportunity. Children develop their creative thinking and logical reasoning skills. A child's mind and vision are enriched as they experiment with new and different things. It helps them develop problem-solving skills and become independent and self-reliant. More importantly, it helps them adapt and respond to new situations seamlessly in any social situation. This skill becomes a critical social skill as they grow older.

What challenges do you face in promoting the importance of play in early childhood education, especially in the Indian context?

More awareness needs to be created of the benefits of play. Playtime is not just about having fun – it’s about learning, too. When your little one recites a nursery rhyme, they work on language development skills. Does your child love to toss a ball up in the air and catch it on the way down? They are building important gross-motor and hand-eye coordination skills.

Are there cultural or societal barriers that hinder the acceptance of play as a crucial part of early childhood development?

There is a need to raise the level of conversation on the importance of play. While there are many benefits of play for children, adults need to have the understanding that we simply must engage because it is children’s right to play. 

With the International Day of Play being recognised by UNICEF, what message would you like to convey to parents, educators and policymakers about the role of play in a child's development?

These are some of the ways adults can engage in Free Play.

• Let Them Lead - Let your child choose what they want to play. Follow their lead to make them feel in control and encourage creativity.
• Make it Fun and Engaging - Play games that your child finds fun using whatever they want (even household items) to create fun activities.
• Encourage Pretend Play — Encourage pretend play, such as playing house, superheroes, etc., to help children use their imaginations and learn social skills.
• Be Active Together - Play games that involve running, jumping, and moving around to help develop motor skills and stay healthy.
• Ask Questions and Talk - While playing, what they're doing and talk about the game to help build language and thinking skills.
• Be Present and Supportive - Be involved, show interest, and give lots of praise and encouragement to make them feel loved and supported.
• Play Outside - Spend time playing outside in nature to provide new experiences and explore the world.

How do you envision the role of play evolving in the context of early childhood education in India?`

In India, the National Curriculum Framework for the Foundational Stages, 2022 has these three major goals for children between the ages of 0-8 years:

• Develop foundational literacy and numeracy skills
• Encourage play-based learning
• Focus on socio-emotional development

It states that "While children do not engage in play for its learning outcomes, yet it has been shown that play prompts growth and development" and therefore recommends "play at the core of the conceptual, operational, and transactional approaches to curriculum organisation, pedagogy, time and content organisation, and the overall experience of the child."