Finding a place where your child can socialise, play and learn before starting school is not always an easy task.
There are many different settings and businesses screaming for your attention.
But one alternative you could think about is joining a playgroup.
Melissa Meehan spoke to Playgroups Victoria CEO Danny Schwarz about what playgroup is and why you should join one.
*What is playgroup?
Playgroups bring young children, parents, families and communities together to learn and develop through informal play activities and social interaction.
It’s here to help families to have fun, relax and to build friendships that last beyond playgroup. Playgroups work best when they are inclusive of all, creating an open, welcoming and friendly environment for all children and their families, no matter their circumstances, backgrounds or cultural identity.
*Why should you join playgroup?
Playgroup is fun! At playgroup you get to meet other people going through similar experiences, ease the isolation that can come with caring for young children and find out about local community, health and support services. It allows families to enjoy this precious time with their kids while they develop and grow. It also provides reprieve from the daily grind. Parents – you can have a cup of tea and unwind while your children play in a safe space.
*What are the benefits of playgroup?
There is significant evidence about the benefits of playgroup and it continues to build. Vital development occurs in the first five years of life, and the first year is especially critical.
The neurons in the brain are connecting, laying the foundations for the year to come. The social, emotional, physical and intellectual development that occurs through the play and interaction at playgroup is great for the mind and body. Knowledge builds and skills are refined. Children learn social skills and language skills. It readies children for the next step into kinder and prep.
Playgroup is not just about the kids, it’s also about parents are carers. Their job is one of the best in the world, but raising children is not always easy. Playgroup is here to lighten the load. You can connect with other people in the same stage of life as you. At playgroup you can share, have a coffee, relax in a safe environment. It helps to reduce isolation you may feel and discuss things of interest to you. Playgroup also provides you will access to local services you may need.
*Does it help kids socialise and learn through play?
Playgroup is all about socialisation, creativity, imagination, sharing, reading, learning, outdoor play, self-expression and fun. We know that play helps children to learn and so we encourage lots of it, in a variety of ways. Playgroup Victoria has a monthly calendar of different themes: Healthy Habits, Creative Play, Active Play, Music Month, Science Month, Letters and Numbers month, and so forth. With this we provide members with an activity booklet to make the most of all wonderful things activities and events happening, plus homemade and simple things to do. It does not have to be whizz-bang to be good for us. Playing in the garden is one of the best things to do. Playgroup encourages families to explore different topics, bond over shared interests, learn new things together, discover amazing things about the world around us.
*Why is this so important?
Learning through play is the most human thing we do. Children are particularly good at it. They are curious and eager. They want to be part of the fun and they desire more information – so they go out and get it, often without the inhibitions of adults. While playing, they explore, they alert their senses to feel, smell, observe and listen. They collect subtleties while at play. This is how they make sense of the world when they do not yet have the words or ability to express it as they would like. As Albert Einstein said, “Play is the highest form of research”. Play allows children to study, investigate, communicate, bond, show love and distress – and truly, it is fun which also makes it memorable.
*Can parents attend or can they drop their kids off?
Playgroup is a time for parents, carers and kids to come together. In the early stages of a child’s life, their parents are their first educators. Right down to facial expressions, voice and scent, there is a profound link and this is where children first begin to learn, with the comfort of their parents close by. This support at playgroup gives children an extra confidence boost to explore and play. Some children are very young who attend playgroup and it is essential for their parents to accompany them.
*Are there playgroups with facilitators?
Some playgroups are run by facilitators while others are run by supported playgroup leaders, volunteers or parents. Playgroups can be run anywhere but are commonly held in halls, schools and community centres. Increasingly, nature playgroups are run in the great outdoors.
*What are the differences between structured playgroups and those run by parents?
Structured playgroups usually have a routine: an activity, snack time, free play, story time and a song. Parent-run playgroups are more flexible and may have different activities, nature play or outings. All playgroups are unique and the members of that group are free to make it whatever they would like it to be.
*What age can kids join playgroup?
Any children aged 0-5 can join playgroup. We have baby playgroups sprouting up, that your Maternal Child Health nurse can usually direct you to, or at least that can guide you in the right direction to playgroup. Depending on your area, you can find something to suit you. Often, it is good to have a range of ages at playgroup, so that they can learn from one another. If older children are bounding ahead, activities or an older aged playgroup can be a better fit for them.
*Is it a good introduction to learning away from home? A lead in to kinder?
Playgroup is a great introduction to a child’s education journey. It prepares them for kinder and prep in a range of different ways.
*How many children across Victoria are enrolled in playgroup?
There are around 10,000 Playgroup Victoria Members and around 40,000 children attending playgroup each week.
*What if there isn’t a playgroup in my area?
Visit our Find a Playgroup page and search your area. From here you can extend your search to surrounding areas. If you are having difficulty, feel free to call our membership team and they will assist you in finding a group: 1800 171 882 (within Victoria) or (03) 9388 1599 (outside Victoria)
