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View compareExpert Talks and Sharing Circles at the Festival of Play
At Festival of Play 2.0, we’ve designed an exciting line-up of experts in education, play, and family wellness to help educators and parents navigate the ever-evolving world of childhood development. From nurturing a joyful relationship with food, to navigating gentle parenting and exploring the power of play, these discussions are designed to spark new ideas and meaningful conversations.
Join us for Expert Talks, Sharing Circles & Workshops that will inspire and empower you in your parenting and teaching journey!
To attend Expert Sessions listed below please book a Festival of Play ticket. The Festival ticket will grant you access to all Expert Sessions, as well as the Marketplace, Play Space and Performances.
Expert Talks
Eshita R. Kalidindi
Boundaries with Heart: When Gentle Parenting Goes Too Far by Sagebrook International School
We all want to raise kind, confident, and emotionally aware children — and gentle parenting has helped many of us do just that. But what happens when being “gentle” starts to blur the lines between empathy and permissiveness?
Date: 29th November
Time: 12PM
Venue: Saptaparni
Zoë L. Hauser
Freedom and Independence for Children in Today’s World by Sagebrook International School
In a world of routines, screens, and constant supervision, how can children truly discover independence? This reflective session explores what “freedom” looks like today — balancing safety with exploration, guidance with trust, and helping children build confidence through choice, curiosity, and self-agency.
Date: 29th November
Time: 4PM
Venue: Saptaparni
#Idlimama
Building a Joyful Relationship with Food from the Early Yearsby Sid’s Farm
How do we help children see food as joy, not a battle? This conversation blends science, stories, and everyday wisdom to explore how families can nurture a mindful, loving connection to food — one that’s built on curiosity, nourishment, and togetherness from the very first bite.
Date: 30th November
Time: 12.30PM
Venue: Saptaparni
Harshita
The Forgotten Language of Play – Building Connection in the Early Years by Toddler’s Den
From peekaboo to pretend play, play is how children connect, feel safe, and learn about the world. This session helps parents rediscover play as the language of love — exploring how following a child’s lead can nurture imagination, confidence, and deep emotional bonds at every stage.
Date: 29th November
Time: 12PM
Venue: Saptaparni
#thescreenfreeparent
Rewiring Screen Habits, Reclaiming Play by Dr. Madhumitha Ezhil Kumar, PhD (#thescreenfreeparent)
Parents today are caught between guilt and exhaustion when it comes to screens. This session breaks down the science of why screens are so hard to cut back, and how to rebuild attention, play and calm at home using small, practical shifts. It blends behavioural science with everyday parenting realities to help families create a calmer, more independent child routine.
Date: 29th November
Time: 2PM
Venue: Saptaparni
SHARING CIRCLES
Step into a safe, heart-centered space to pause, reflect, and connect.
Our Sharing Circles are intimate, facilitated conversations led by experienced educators, therapists, and parenting experts - designed for parents to come together and explore meaningful themes around childhood, play, and parenting in today’s world. These small-group gatherings are not lectures - they’re conversations. A chance to share stories, listen deeply, and discover new perspectives in the company of other parents walking the same journey. Whether you come with questions, reflections, or simply curiosity, you’ll leave with a lighter heart, a few new insights, and the reassuring reminder that we’re all learning - together.
Sushweta
Date: 29th November
Time: 2PM
Fostering the Love for readingBy Sagebrook Int’l School
Children don’t fall in love with reading through drills, goals, or checklists — they fall in love through connection, curiosity, and joy. This circle invites parents and educators to reflect on their own reading memories, understand what truly sparks lifelong readers, and co-create a home environment where books are friends, stories are shared, and imagination has room to bloom.
Anusha
Date: 29th November
Time: 10.30AM
Healing through art and stories by Sagebrook Int’l School x Little Dipper
An experiential workshop inviting educators and caregivers to explore emotional well-being through storytelling and art,exploring skills they can model in classrooms and homes. Participants will engage in reflective practices,collective sharing and also take home tangible micro practices to integrate into teaching and caregiving routines
Dr. Varudhini Kankipati
Date: 30th November
Time: 12.30PM
The Care Continuum: How Do We Build Community Around Our Children? by Sagebrook Int’l School X Inner Connect
Parenting was never meant to be a solo journey — yet so many of us carry it alone. This circle invites reflection on what a modern “village” can look like, and how shared care and community can help every family feel supported, connected, and seen.
Natasha
Date: 30th November
Time: 4.30PM
The Transformation Within: Conversations on the Science and Soul of Early Motherhood
Becoming a parent changes everything — your routines, relationships, and you. Join this Sharing Circle to explore matrescence — the transformation of parenthood — through honest stories and reflection. A space to share, listen, and remember you’re not alone.
Workshops
Helen
Mini Playbook by Papagoya
What if play wasn’t a break from learning, but the heart of it? In this 90-minute immersive experience for educators, Papagoya shares how storytelling, movement, and sensory exploration can transform classrooms and homes — showing that joyful play is the most powerful way to learn.
Date: 29th November
Time: 2PM
Venue: Saptaparni