The Tinker Lab child today
– a thriving adult of tomorrow
At Tinker Lab, we believe education should go beyond merely preparing children to be "school ready"; our mission is to make them "life ready" and equip them with more than just academic skills. An education system narrowly centred on rote learning and standardised testing overlooks the complexities of real life, leaving children underprepared to face its challenges.
We prioritise the development of emotional intelligence, fostering resilience, empathy, and strong character in every child. These qualities are the foundation of true success in life, enabling children to navigate the ups and downs of the world with grace and confidence. By nurturing these attributes, we empower the next generation of global citizens to build a better, more compassionate world.
At Tinker Lab, we are committed to cultivating minds and hearts, ensuring that our children are prepared for school and life in a world that desperately needs grounded, emotionally intelligent leaders.
What Sets Tinker Lab Apart: Evidence-Based Approach for 21st-Century Learners
At Tinker Lab, our philosophy and practices are grounded in decades of research and evidence from global studies and local contexts within India, Asia, and Commonwealth nations. We are committed to moving beyond traditional, top-down educational models to create a learning environment that truly nurtures and prepares children for life—not just for school. Here's how our unique approach is designed to achieve this:
Free Play:
The Power of Unstructured Exploration
At Tinker Lab, we recognize the profound impact of Free Play—unstructured, child-initiated exploration—on early childhood development. This approach allows children to engage deeply with materials and activities of their choosing, fostering autonomy and intrinsic motivation.
Free Play:
The Power of Unstructured Exploration
At Tinker Lab, we recognize the profound impact of Free Play—unstructured, child-initiated exploration—on early childhood development. This approach allows children to engage deeply with materials and activities of their choosing, fostering autonomy and intrinsic motivation.
Unlike adult-directed play, Free Play empowers children to explore, take risks, and learn at their own pace. Global research highlights that self-directed play cultivates essential skills such as creativity, problem-solving, and resilience, which are crucial for navigating the complexities of modern life. Studies by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) emphasize the superiority of play-based learning over rote memorization. The Early Childhood Association (ECA) of India also advocates for play as a vital component of holistic child development.
Alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: India's NEP 2020 underscores the importance of play-based and activity-based learning, especially in the foundational stages of education. The policy envisions a curriculum that integrates flexible, multilevel, play/activity-based learning to foster cognitive, affective, and psychomotor abilities in young children.
Our Commitment at Tinker Lab: At Tinker Lab, we have thoughtfully designed environments and carefully selected materials to support Free Play. This approach fosters joy, discovery, and the intrinsic satisfaction of mastering new skills independently, aligning with both global best practices and national educational policies.
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Child Led Learning:
Empowering children
At Tinker Lab, we embrace child-led learning, empowering children to steer their educational journeys based on their interests and curiosities. This approach fosters autonomy, intrinsic motivation, and a lifelong passion for discovery. Our educators act as facilitators...
Child Led Learning:
Empowering children
At Tinker Lab, we embrace child-led learning, empowering children to steer their educational journeys based on their interests and curiosities. This approach fosters autonomy, intrinsic motivation, and a lifelong passion for discovery. Our educators act as facilitators, crafting environments rich with opportunities for exploration and creativity, allowing each child to learn at their own pace. By honouring individual learning paths, we cultivate critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and emotional intelligence, equipping children to thrive in an ever-evolving world.
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Open Learning Spaces:
Nature as a Classroom
Our classrooms extend beyond traditional walls into open, green spaces that invite children to learn and play in connection with nature. These environments are crucial for fostering physical, cognitive, and emotional development.
Open Learning Spaces:
Nature as a Classroom
Our classrooms extend beyond traditional walls into open, green spaces that invite children to learn and play in connection with nature. These environments are crucial for fostering physical, cognitive, and emotional development.
Global Evidence: The Natural Learning Initiative at North Carolina State University emphasises the importance of outdoor play and interaction with nature for children’s cognitive development and emotional well-being. Similarly, research from the American Academy of Pediatrics supports the idea that outdoor play enhances motor skills, creativity, and even reduces symptoms of attention deficit disorders.
Closer to Home: In India, the Centre for Environment Education (CEE) has documented the benefits of integrating green spaces into learning environments, particularly in urban areas where access to nature can be limited. Research from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) further supports the role of nature-based learning in promoting resilience and curiosity in children. At Tinker Lab, our green spaces are purposefully designed to provide these benefits, ensuring that every child can explore, discover, and grow in a nurturing environment.
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Mixed-Age Group Classes:
Real-World Learning in Action
Our mixed-age classrooms reflect the diverse, collaborative nature of real-world social settings, where children of different ages learn and play together. This model promotes peer learning, mentorship, and a strong sense of community.
Mixed-Age Group Classes:
Real-World Learning in Action
Our mixed-age classrooms reflect the diverse, collaborative nature of real-world social settings, where children of different ages learn and play together. This model promotes peer learning, mentorship, and a strong sense of community.
Global Evidence: Studies from the Harvard Graduate School of Education have shown that mixed-age learning environments foster leadership and empathy in older children while younger children benefit from observing and interacting with their peers. This approach creates a dynamic, inclusive learning environment that mirrors the diversity of real-life social interactions.
Closer to Home: The Azim Premji Foundation in India has researched multi-grade classrooms, particularly in rural settings, and found that they enhance collaborative problem-solving and peer learning. This approach also encourages social cohesion, making it an invaluable model for diverse learning environments like Tinker Lab.
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Inclusive Environment:
Diversity Strengthens Us All
Inclusivity is at the heart of our philosophy. At Tinker Lab, we welcome both neurotypical and neurodivergent children, creating an environment where early exposure to diverse peers fosters empathy, understanding, and mutual growth.
Inclusive Environment:
Diversity Strengthens Us All
Inclusivity is at the heart of our philosophy. At Tinker Lab, we welcome both neurotypical and neurodivergent children, creating an environment where early exposure to diverse peers fosters empathy, understanding, and mutual growth.
Global Evidence: Research from the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) demonstrates that inclusive environments improve social skills and reduce prejudices among children. Inclusive classrooms are proven to foster empathy and deeper, more meaningful relationships.
Closer to Home: In India, the Right to Education (RTE) Act and programs like Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) have made strides in promoting inclusive education. Studies by the Vidya Bhawan Society and Enabling Education Network (EENET) in South Asia highlight how inclusive settings benefit both neurotypical and neurodivergent learners by promoting mutual respect and understanding. At Tinker Lab, our inclusive approach builds a foundation of respect and cooperation from day one, ensuring that every child feels valued and supported.
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High Adult-Child Ratio:
Personalized Attention for Every Child
We maintain a high adult-child ratio to ensure that each child receives the individualized attention they need. This approach allows us to cater to the unique emotional and cognitive needs of every child, leading to better developmental outcomes.
High Adult-Child Ratio:
Personalized Attention for Every Child
We maintain a high adult-child ratio to ensure that each child receives the individualized attention they need. This approach allows us to cater to the unique emotional and cognitive needs of every child, leading to better developmental outcomes.
Global Evidence: Research from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) underscores the importance of low adult-child ratios, linking them to better language development, cognitive skills, and social interactions.
Closer to Home: The M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation in India supports these findings, particularly in marginalized communities, where a higher adult-child ratio results in significant developmental gains. By maintaining a high adult-child ratio, Tinker Lab ensures that every child receives the personalized support they need to thrive.
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Facilitators, Not Teachers:
Guiding the Learning Journey
At Tinker Lab, our educators act as facilitators rather than traditional teachers. This approach allows children to take ownership of their learning journey, fostering independence, creativity, and critical thinking.
Facilitators, Not Teachers:
Guiding the Learning Journey
At Tinker Lab, our educators act as facilitators rather than traditional teachers. This approach allows children to take ownership of their learning journey, fostering independence, creativity, and critical thinking.
Global Evidence: The constructivist models pioneered by John Dewey and supported by contemporary research emphasize the role of educators as guides, not directors. Facilitators help children build their own understanding of the world, promoting deeper learning and problem-solving skills.
Closer to Home: The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) in India advocates for a facilitative approach in education, finding that it nurtures creativity and independent thinking. At Tinker Lab, our facilitators create a learning environment where children are encouraged to explore, discover, and grow at their own pace, supported by adults who respect their autonomy and individuality.
Teacher Training and Reflective Practices in early childhood: At Tinker Lab, we prioritize continuous teacher training and reflective practice to ensure our educators fully embrace and implement our vision. By engaging in ongoing professional development, teachers stay abreast of the latest educational methodologies and align their practices with our institution's goals. Reflective practice encourages educators to critically assess their teaching methods, fostering adaptability and responsiveness to each child's unique needs. This commitment to self-improvement and alignment with Tinker Lab's philosophy cultivates a cohesive learning environment where both teachers and students thrive.
Fostering Collaborative Partnerships: Parent – Educator - Child: At Tinker Lab, we prioritize a collaborative partnership among parents, educators, and children, recognizing that such alliances are vital for a child's holistic development. By fostering open communication and mutual respect, we create a supportive environment where children thrive, and parents feel valued and understood. Our approach is rooted in empathy, aiming to support parents in their journey without judgment, acknowledging their unique insights and experiences. This partnership not only enhances the child's learning experience but also empowers parents, reinforcing their role as integral contributors to their child's success.
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Teacher Training:
Reflective Practices in early childhood
At Tinker Lab, we prioritize continuous teacher training and reflective practice to ensure our educators fully embrace and implement our vision. By engaging in ongoing professional development, teachers stay abreast of the latest educational methodologies.
Teacher Training:
Reflective Practices in early childhood
At Tinker Lab, we prioritize continuous teacher training and reflective practice to ensure our educators fully embrace and implement our vision. By engaging in ongoing professional development, teachers stay abreast of the latest educational methodologies and align their practices with our institution's goals. Reflective practice encourages educators to critically assess their teaching methods, fostering adaptability and responsiveness to each child's unique needs. This commitment to self-improvement and alignment with Tinker Lab's philosophy cultivates a cohesive learning environment where both teachers and students thrive.
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Fostering Collaborative Partnerships:
Parent – Educator - Child
At Tinker Lab, we prioritize a collaborative partnership among parents, educators, and children, recognizing that such alliances are vital for a child's holistic development.
Fostering Collaborative Partnerships:
Parent – Educator - Child
At Tinker Lab, we prioritize a collaborative partnership among parents, educators, and children, recognizing that such alliances are vital for a child's holistic development. By fostering open communication and mutual respect, we create a supportive environment where children thrive, and parents feel valued and understood. Our approach is rooted in empathy, aiming to support parents in their journey without judgment, acknowledging their unique insights and experiences. This partnership not only enhances the child's learning experience but also empowers parents, reinforcing their role as integral contributors to their child's success.
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"With the imminent advances in AI(Artificial Intelligence),we can expect rapid improvements in the areas of imparting literacy and numeracy skills to young children.
However, learning to recognise our emotions and the effect that they have on our behaviour in responding to the world around us, is something that is likely to remain in the realm of being passed on by nurturing good human connections.
Caring and well trained mentors and facilitators are absolutely essential for this crucial role in any child care facility. In my opinion Tinker Lab is quite unique in its approach, in that it focuses very carefully on this aspect of a child’s development, rather than the usual race towards rote learning."
Ivan Jalaluddin
Tinker lab has been one of the most wonderful experiences for my son Rihaan. The philosophy at tinker lab is very aligned to our parenting skills philosophy of being facilitators and kids guiding their own learning journey. I have seen Rihaan evolve everyday because of safe & non judgemental environment provided at TL which encourages creative and logical thinking.
It’s great to see Pallavi evolve TL from a small learning pod during Covid to a full fledged center now.
Pallavi Anand
Tinker Lab always has great activities that continue to inspire children. It has a very unique way of making children learn ie by letting them have different experiences and letting them explore what they like and what not. Truly delighted with how our son was nurtured by teachers and staff at TL. TL is a definitely a great place for your children to learn and grow 😊
Anshul Aggarwal
Tinker Lab offers a nurturing environment that focuses on learning thru play. The kind of activities planned are extremely interactive rather than passive - which children find very engaging. They don’t see early education as a daycare set up but genuinely work with every child basis their interest and needs. I would highly recommend TL to all new parents!
Anushree Shivpuri
My son started going to Tinker Lab when he was 2.5 years old. We were particular that, as his first experience outside of home, we wanted him to go to a play school where he would be cared for and happy - almost an extension of home. We are glad that that’s exactly what Tinker Lab has turned out to be.
The aunties at Tinker Lab were very patient in getting my son used to the place and the people; and very quickly, he was happy going there everyday. The aunties take the time to stay in touch with the parents about the children and how they’re feeling/ behaving.
My son loves the music sessions with Dorota auntie and he seems to be truly bonding with the other kids at Tinker Lab. All in all, we couldn’t have asked for a better start for our son!!
Gunjan Gulati
At Tinker Lab, they take the time to get to know each child - their likes, dislikes, moods. The facilitators are attuned to each child's requirement and the children are allowed to direct their own play. I saw in a short span my son's confidence burgeon through his interactions at TL as well as be introduced to so many new things. I appreciated the daily updates about what my child was doing. My son enjoyed his time there - he used to cry on Sat & Sun because there was no school! TL was everything you'd want your child's first experience outside of home to be.
Sirisha Ramanand
My 2 year old loves the "lab" and all the "experiments" she does at Tinker Lab. After 5 months, I see a discernible difference in my child's speech and social skills. Teacher's and the Didi's are super caring and the caregiver-child mix is optimal. Tinker Lab is a happy place for my child. Highly recommend it.
Harsh Singh
I would highly recommend Tinker Lab to any parent. Pallavi and her able staff ensure that all children have fun. I saw my daughter learn new things and concepts and really blossom into a confident girl. Pallavi further is personally involved in the classes and gives one on one updates and feedback. Thank you, Tinker Lab, for doing a fantastic job of enabling children to be lifelong learners. I found their teaching philosophies of Self-directed Learning and True Play to be very effective. And to top it all, they have top notch infrastructure, use best quality materials, wooden toys, multiple open & closed spaces. It’s a dream come true for parents.
Sonam Rana
Tinker Lab shall always be very close to my heart. Their ‘true play’ philosophy indeed played an instrumental role in my 4 year old’s formative years. Pallavi and her team has been truly amazing and empathic towards my kid who was raised during pandemic. We all witnessed how he started developing new friendships and was keen to explore new experiences.
I shall continue to be the biggest cheerleader for Team TL. It’s great to finally see a group of educators who understand handholding without being imposing.
Keep up the good work.
Shelly Arora
I really wish there were places like Tinker Lab when we were little - a beautiful safe environment that nurtured little hearts, bodies and minds. My child just loves her time with Pallavi aunty and all the facilitators and children here. She’s a chef in the mud kitchen one moment, an explorer in the wild the next, a gymnast soon after , and a musical band member to round it off. She learns by experimenting with colours, sounds, sights, questioning and seeking.
Anusha Suryanarayan
My son was two years old when he started with TinkerLab last December. Their gentle approach and child led learning methods makes me a big fan of the school. Pallavi is at the heart of this school and I couldn’t have asked for a better start for my son. She along with the teachers and staff at TinkerLab eased his journey into time away from home and it did wonders for his confidence. Definitely recommend you check them out if you are looking for a holistic approach to learning.
Anusha Kariappa
Tinker Lab is a fabulous place for children, run with a lot of love by Pallavi. Her passion for early childhood education reflects in everything she brings into Tinker Lab. This place is top class - right from the physical space to curriculum design to quality of faculty / resources. I am very happy to send my daughter to Tinker Lab and she absolutely loves her time there. Big thumbs up and heartfelt thanks to the entire team !!
Megha Jain
My child loves it at Tinker Lab - the teachers and the staff take special care of each child. They make learning fun. I have seen a difference in my child in just 5 months. One thing I really appreciate about the staff they keep us posted - send us regular updates and pictures of what my child does. I am extremely happy as a parent!
