TOY-BASED PEDAGOGY FOR HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT: COLLABORATIVE AND EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION ALIGNED WITH NEP 2020

Abstract

Toy-based learning is gaining prominence as a transformative pedagogical approach in India, closely aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasises joyful, inclusive, and holistic education. Grounded in constructivist and sociocultural learning theories, this approach encourages hands-on engagement, allowing children to explore, experiment, and learn through play. Educational toys act as mediators of experiential learning, fostering essential 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration. This conceptual paper explores the role of toys in supporting holistic child development across four key domains: cognitive, language and communication, physical, and emotional-social growth. Tools such as puzzles, manipulatives, storytelling kits, and culturally rooted play materials have proven effective in promoting inclusive and engaging learning environments. This paper synthesises emerging evidence to demonstrate the potential of toy-based collaborative learning to achieve learning objectives at the foundational stage.

Keywords

toy-based pedagogy, collaborative learning, peer interaction, experiential learning, NEP 2020, early childhood education, and holistic development.

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To cite this article

Mudang Ankha, & Narender Singh. (2025). Toy-Based Pedagogy for Holistic Development: Collaborative and Experiential Learning in Early Childhood Education Aligned with NEP 2020. John Foundation Journal of EduSpark, 7(4), 31-52.