Having fun with playdough
Why Playgroup?
Playgroup for Mums and Dads
Today’s families are more likely to be autonomous and isolated from immediate family, so the support and advice that used to come from extended family is no longer as available as it used to be. This is where Playgroups can provide some of that emotional support that parents, particularly new parents, can use to navigate their way through the minefield of scenarios that is parenthood.
Baby won’t sleep? Would like recommendations on where to get swimming lessons? What do you think of the new Child Health Nurse? Where is there a child-friendly-reasonably-priced-pram-accessible-family cafe in town? Ask someone at a local Playgroup, because chances are, they have the answer.
There are two main types of Playgroups: Community Playgroups and Supported Playgroups. Community Playgroups are the traditional type normally run by volunteers with perhaps a committee overseeing operations. They can be found in many places including churches, schools, community houses, playcentres, and perhaps state Playgroup organisations.
Supported Playgroups are those that are facilitated by a qualified playgroup consultant and can be a “soft entry” for isolated groups to come together in a supportive environment for playgroup sessions for a period of time. After that time, they can then perhaps join a community playgroup as a whole group or become self sufficient as their own community playgroup. Supported playgroups can be for specific demographics such as young parents, Indigenous community members, culturally and linguistically diverse community members, as well as including members of the wider community who would prefer the support of a facilitated session.
Playgroup for children
Because children learn right from birth, a great environment for lots of rich learning is a playgroup. Learning through play is the best way that children develop and retain valuable information about the world around them and their role within it. Play includes experimenting with art mediums, learning language through reading and singing, role playing everyday situations, exploring a natural environment, climbing, jumping, dancing, exploring, and socialising with other people.
Messy play is particularly great for playgroup sessions as it’s not as fun to be cleaning paint off the carpet at home. By being able to completely immerse themselves in messy play, children are able to stimulate and use all of their senses, and the educational value is tremendous! It’s also a great time for parents to engage in conversation with their children. “How does the slime feel? Can you hear the mud squelch? What colour is the finger paint? What does the poppy seeds taste like? What does the gloop smell like? “
Most of all, playgroups are a place where children can have lots of fun!
To find out where your nearest playgroup is, contact your state Playgroup Association.
Have a question about Playgroups? Ask on the Essential Baby Forums.
