Playgroup offers parents and children a chance to socialise and enjoy fun activities.
It's National Playground Week! This event, which runs from March 25 to April 1, is a celebration of play enjoyed by thousands of families across Australia. To find out what events are happening in your area, visit www.nationalplaygroundweek.com.au.
Why should I visit a playgroup?
Today’s families are more likely to be isolated from immediate family than in the past, 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 emotional support that parents – particularly new parents – can use to navigate their way through parenthood.
Baby won’t sleep? You'd like recommendations on where to get swimming lessons? What do you think of the new child health nurse? Is there a child-friendly-reasonably-priced-pram-accessible-family cafe in town? Ask at your local playgroup – chances are someone there will 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 hold their meetings in many places, including churches, schools, community houses and playcentres.
Supported playgroups are facilitated by a qualified playgroup consultant, and can be a “soft entry” for isolated groups to come together in a supportive environment. After a certain period of time, the members can 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 and culturally and linguistically diverse community members, as well as including members of the wider community who would prefer the support of a facilitated session.
Playgroups are non-profit organisations, and they're run at a low cost so most people can attend. Groups sometimes also run fundraising events to help keep the costs down.
Why playgroup is good for kids
A playgroup is a great environment for lots of rich learning. Learning through play is the best way children develop and retain valuable information about the world, and their role in it. Play includes experimenting with art, learning language through reading and singing, role playing everyday situations, exploring the 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 have to clean 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 you to engage in conversation with your child. “How does the slime feel? Can you hear the mud squelch? What colour is the finger paint? 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.
To talk about your playgroup experiences, or meet other playgroup parents near you, join the Essential Baby Playgroups forum.
