It is 9:30 a.m. at the Anganwadi center, a preschool in Ratibigha. Filled with the laughter and joyful buzz of the children, the play areas come alive. In one corner, the calm of the sensory area invites the toddlers to quietly explore colorful rings and stuffed animals at their own pace. Across from it, in the construction area, three children aged 4 and 5 are arguing loudly, wooden blocks in hand, as they build an imaginary house. Welcome to the heart of an ordinary morning where play becomes the first step toward learning.
From silence to bursts of laughter
Indu, a worker at the Ratibigha Anganwadi center, watches a little girl engrossed in her drawing: “Nancy was a timid child. When she joined the Centre about a year back she spoke to no one, neither did she pick up a toy to play by herself. All she did was to sit on the mat watching other children. I tried to coax her to join the others, but she simply wouldn’t.”
Asmita, Nancy’s mother, nods in agreement, adding “At first she would cry and refuse to leave us. She was very shy and did not mix with other children easily.”
During the initial days of observation, Indu realised that the Hula Hoops fascinated Nancy the most. “But she was too shy and afraid. So, one day I gave her a Hula Hoop and showed her how to play. As Nancy followed me, twisting her waist and giggling all the way, other children joined in.” This was an ice breaker of sorts that helped Nancy become comfortable at the ECD centre.
Subsequently, the little girl started opening up, participating in activities and engaging with other children.
Play as a driver of learning and confidence
Today, Nancy eagerly attends the Anganwadi Centre and looks forward to spending time with her friends. She particularly enjoys playing with hula hoops, participating in role-play activities, and singing along during group sessions. Indu explained that these activities are not only enjoyable for children but also help develop communication skills, confidence, coordination, and social interaction.
“It is through play that children learn to speak, cooperate, and use their imagination.”
“One of the biggest changes I see in Nancy is how confidently she expresses herself now,” Indu shared. “She loves role play activities and enjoys leading games with other children. Through play, children learn how to speak, cooperate, and imagine.”
The learning does not stop at the centre. Nancy’s family says she now carries the activities back into her home and neighbourhood.
Kalo, Nancy’s grandmother shares, “She comes home and repeats the same games and songs she learns at the Anganwadi. Sometimes she gathers the neighbouring children and starts teaching them the rhymes and activities herself. Earlier she hardly spoke, but now she leads the play.”
Nancy’s mother also described how her daughter now talks enthusiastically about her day and demonstrates activities she learned at the centre. “She keeps teaching us new songs and words. Now she even tells other children what they should do while playing. Seeing her confidence grow makes us very happy.”
A smooth transition to elementary school
Karuna-Shechen’s ECD approach also focuses on preparing children for a smoother transition into formal schooling. Through playful methods, children are introduced to basic alphabets, numbers, colours, and communication skills that help them adapt more easily once they enter government primary schools.
According to Indu, this early exposure makes a visible difference when children move ahead in their education.
“When children learn basic alphabets, counting, and classroom habits here, they feel less fearful when they join primary school. They are already comfortable sitting in groups, listening, responding, and participating in activities.”
For families like Nancy’s, the Anganwadi Centre has become an important foundation for their child’s future. Alongside learning, the program has also encouraged parents and caregivers to spend more time engaging with children at home through conversation and play.
“We now understand that children learn from daily interaction. Even small things like talking, playing, and listening to them make a difference.” – Indu
Nancy’s journey reflects the broader impact of Karuna-Shechen’s Early Childhood Development program, about creating nurturing spaces where children can build confidence, curiosity, and social skills during their most important developmental years. Through play, care, and consistent support, children like Nancy are not only becoming more prepared for school, but are also learning how to express themselves, connect with others, and participate confidently in the world around them.