Playgroup Reflection – Anne Tattam
Mark 9:36-37
“He took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”
One of the highlights of my week is the facilitation of playgroup, in Lakeview every Friday.
Playgroup is run under the Trinity Family Support Network (TFSN) umbrella and TFSN supports families in our community who care for children between 0 – 8 years of age.
It’s a parent focused playgroup and we invite different professionals to engage in workshops with parents, for example, baby massage, child development, nutrition and well-being programs. We hope, that by empowering parents and carers with skills and confidence, they can guide and support their children’s development through the fundamental early years.
We have an extensive range of resources to meet the five areas of child development, that of physical, social, emotional, speech and language and cognitive development.
Our weekly activities include craft, gardening, small world play, construction, sand and water play, role play and many bikes and cars. We also have a quiet area for reading and a baby area with soft play activities. The children love the challenge of the obstacle course, as they work on gross motor skills in a fun and engaging way. We love sharing the children’s joy (and that of their carers!) as they grasp new skills and grow in confidence on the obstacle course.
We all share morning tea, and some weeks we have barista – made coffee from our very own coffee cart! It is wonderful to see all the children, even the very small ones, all sit together at the tiny tables and chairs, to share their morning tea together.
We always finish the morning by gathering on the story mat for story time and rhyme time, which the children absolutely love. The more interactive and engaging.. the better!
A kaleidoscope of adults from different backgrounds, cultures, and ages accompany their little people to playgroup. We believe it is a safe space where learning opportunities, connection, friendships and a sense of community happen.
Each member of our amazing team of volunteers brings different skills and talents to playgroup. There’s a very real sense of us being Christ’s hands and feet and welcoming heart and loving arms, as we serve in this mission, bringing the love of God, through our love of children.
Anne