What’s
Inside:
MAY IS HATS OFF
TIME
CELEBRATE
AUTUMN AT
PLAYGROUP
NATURE PLAY
TEENAGE
PREGNANCY
MAY 2016
The latest news and
information about playgroup
and parenting for playgroup
families in the ACT
ACTive Play
Welcome back to all playgroups for term
two. We hope all our special playgroup mums had a
happy Mothers Day. It is now autumn, a beautiful
season in Canberra. The colours of the leaves, the
smell of fresh rain and the light and clear sky make it
a perfect time to get out and explore our wonderful
city.
A Request to
Playgroup Contacts:
Please circulate this copy
of ACTive Play around
your group and display/
distribute any advertising
if possible. Any notices or
pre-filled renewal forms
should be handed directly
to members.
This month, why not celebrate your playgroup by
organising an activity to help people share what is special about playgroup. Some
suggestions include:
 Organise an excursion
 Invite grandparents, a friend or other family members to a special playgroup day
 Do a special craft or themed activity
...AND MUCH
MORE...
Thank you to the
 Have a “share a culture day”
 Invite the Fire Brigade to visit, go on a “bus wash” or have a teddy bears picnic.
Registrations
Thank you to all those groups who have returned their annual playgroup
registration forms. For those of you who haven't, it is now overdue!
For advertising our new
Paint and Playgroups in
Holt and at Boundless.
ACTive Play is also:
 available online at this
link:
http://www.playgroupau
stralia.com.au/act/go/
newsletter-playgrouppostings
 emailed mid-month to all
members who have given
us a current email address
Your registration forms provide us with up to
date information about your playgroup. We ask
for this form to be completed every year both
for insurance purposes and to ensure that we
have up to date information about your group.
Contacts often struggle to find time to fill out
this form, so if you are a group member and
have a few spare moments, why not offer to fill
it out for them.
Playgroup registration forms can be downloaded
from our website at
(www.playgroupaustralia.com.au/act) or let us
know and we can pop one in the post or
complete your registration over the phone.
End of May is hats OFF day for
Canberra kids
Canberra parents and kids can once again safely shed their hats and sunscreen without worrying about UV
causing skin damage. Hats and other forms of sun protection including sunscreen are not generally
recommended in Canberra during June and July due to low (under 3) UV levels.
UV protection is important and required when spending time outdoors when UV levels reach 3 or above.
However during June and July in Canberra daily average UV levels fall and remain below 3 (low), a level that is
not considered strong enough to damage skin when participating in typical outdoor activities.
Cancer Council ACT is also conscious that people, including children, shouldn’t compromise their Vitamin D
levels by being SunSmart when it’s not really necessary. Vitamin D is largely created in the body as a result of
exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation (UVB), and is important for good bone and muscle health. Most
Canberrans, including children, get enough Vitamin D through a few minutes of typical day-to-day activity.
During the winter period most Canberrans should be able to maintain adequate Vitamin D levels when UV
levels are low by seeking out some midday sun exposure most days of the week and by being physically active.
For example, gardening or going for daily walks will help.
Groups that are more likely to be at risk of
vitamin D deficiency include:





naturally dark skinned people – who
need more UV exposure to produce
adequate levels of vitamin D as the
pigment in their skin reduces UV
absorption.
people who cover their skin for
religious or cultural purposes
elderly and people who are
housebound or in institutional care
people who do not get outdoor for
whatever reason
babies and infants of vitamin D
deficient mothers, especially babies
who are exclusively or partially
breastfed.
If you are concerned about your vitamin D
levels then you should consult your GP, your
Vitamin D levels can be measured through a
simple blood test and inadequate levels can be
treated with supplements.
Free Community Fire and Rescue Presentation
However there are some exceptions to the
Cancer Council hats off recommendation
during winter. People who work outdoors
should continue to protect their skin at all
times, and if you are heading into the Alpine
area to ski then be aware that UV levels may be
higher than those experienced in Canberra - so
be SunSmart. Likewise if you are spending most
the day outdoors then sun protection remains
relevant even if UV levels are low!
A SunSmart Parent Tip
Take the guess work out of when you and your family need to be SunSmart each day by downloading the
free SunSmart App. Remember unlike the temperature, UV levels cannot be felt on your skin, so the only
way to really know how intense UV levels are in Canberra each day is to view them online! The higher the
UV level the quicker your child’s unprotected skin will burn! To make it simple the SunSmart App emphasis
what time each day UV levels are 3 and above- the time to be SunSmart!
David Wild |
SunSmart Services Coordinator
Cancer Council ACT
5 Richmond Avenue, Fairbairn
CANBERRA AIRPORT
ACT 2609
P: 02 6257 9999 | F: 02 6257 5055
E: [email protected]
W: www.actcancer.org
T: @hsnACT
Why a Science, Creativity and Games Playgroup?
This new playgroup was started to support parents whose children have a need for stimulation and
engagement. The activities at playgroup are selected based on the children’s interests, to engage enquiring
minds and encourage questioning and curiosity about the world around us and how things work. Playgroup
provides a space for children to meet like-minded friends and to play and talk about science, the natural world
and all things in common.
Our Paper Flower Experiment







Is your child intensely curious?
Does your child prefer playing with older kids or
playing alone?
Do they seek out challenges?
Do they have intense emotions and react strongly?
Do they surprise you with their vocabulary and
logic?
Are they creative or have a vivid imagination?
Do they have a great memory and attention
span...when it suits them?
If you have answered yes to one or more of these
questions this might be the playgroup for you.
A typical day at playgroup involves free play activity
stations with making, construction, and other activities,
followed by a parent-led group activity, a board game and
then a book. Parents share the task of planning and
organising activities throughout the term using playgroup
resources, which include board games and robotics,
materials for science experiments and craft supplies.
Science, Creativity and Games provides a supportive and
non-judgemental environment where families can talk
openly about parenting challenges and triumphs.
Playgroup suits ages 3 to 5 years and younger siblings are
most welcome.
The Science, Creativity and Games Playgroup is hosted by
ACT GFSG.
day: Wednesdays during school terms
time: 10am to 12noon
place: Northside - mobile location
Contact: [email protected]
The paper flowers were made and kept folded.
They were put in the water and it was observed
the flowers opened up. Paper absorbs water very
rapidly. When paper gets wet, it swells which
causes the folded petals to open up.
Water was added to water saving crystals. We
had a guess what might happen and the effects
were observed. We noted that it was very runny
and then thickened up as the crystals filled with
water. The children asked what the crystals were
used for and once explained they were keen to
add them to the garden and make their
experimenting purposeful.
In Australia today thousands of young children are being raised in foster and kinship care arrangements. While early
childhood is a critical time for learning and development, virtually nothing is known about formal and informal learning
experiences or child development outcomes for this group of children.
The Early Childhood in Foster and Kinship Care study is about the learning and wellbeing of foster and kinship care
children who have yet to start their first year of full-time schooling. The study is looking at babies/toddlers as well as
preschool aged children. The purpose of the Early Childhood in Foster and Kinship Care study is to collect important new
information that government and non-government agencies can use to support the good development of foster and kinship care children during early childhood and ensure they start school healthy and eager to learn.
Survey information is collected from people over the age of 18 who are the main carers of a foster or kinship care child
who has yet to start their first year of full-time schooling. The survey is about young foster and
kinship care children. Specifically, it is about their participation in early learning and care programs, informal learning and
developmental wellbeing.
Please Help
You are invited to take part in the Early Childhood in Foster
and Kinship Care study if you are the main carer of a foster or
kinship care child who has yet to start their first year of fulltime schooling. Taking part in the study means
completing a 30 minute survey about your foster or kinship
child’s participation in all forms of early education and care,
his/her informal learning and development.
The survey can be completed online at
http://www.fosterandkinship.com.au/
Celebrate Autumn at
Playgroup
Music Activities
The Leaves on the Tree
(collect some red and yellow
leaves for this activity)
(Tune The Wheels on the Bus)
The leaves on the trees turn orange and red,
(Raise each colour leaf).
Orange and red,
Orange and red.
The leaves on the trees turn orange and red
All around the town.

music. Show children how to move gracefully, twirling
and blowing around until everyone falls down on the
ground.

The leaves on the ground go swish, swish, swish,
(Swish leaves on floor.)
Swish, swish, swish,
Swish, swish, swish.
The leaves on the ground go swish, swish, swish
All around the ground.
The leaves on the trees go tumbling down,
(Make leaves tumble to the floor.)
Go tumbling down,
Go tumbling down.
The leaves on the trees go tumbling down
Down to the ground.
Dance like a leaf: Children dance like leaves to
Parachute Leaf Toss: Place autumn leaves in the
centre of the parachute. Move the parachute slowly at
first, then faster until all of the leaves have flipped up
and floated to the ground.

Falling Leaves:
Let children spread out on the
floor pretending to be a leaf on a tree. Walk around
and blow at a leaf, pretending to be the wind that
blows the leaf off the tree. Let the children (leaves)
fall, dancing and whirling, to the ground.
Resources and Ideas Sourced From:
KidsSoup: www.kidssoup.com/
Kidspot: www.kidspot.com.au/
Five Red Leaves Finger Play
Prekinders: www.prekinders.com/
Five red leaves, five and no more .
Everything Preschool: www.everythingpreschool.com/
(Hold up 5 fingers)
The caterpillar ate one, now there are four.
Education. Com: www.education.com/
(Thumb down)
Four red leaves, that’s easy to see.
Along came a rainstorm, now there are three.
(Index finger down)
Three red leaves, nothing much to do.
A big wind blew, now there are only two!
(Middle finger down)
Two red leaves, that’s not much fun.
I glued one on my paper. (Ring finger down)
Now there is one. (Hold up pinky)
Hang on, pretty red leaf!
Your branches won’t break.
You’re the last leaf for me to rake.
Sensory Activities
Craft
Games and Physical
Play Activities
Autumn Leaf Sun Catcher
What
you
need: ‘nests’ and fill
Make
playdough
Leaf
shape
(you eggs
can draw
them
withpattern
playdough
in this).
Clear
contact
paper(You could add a
different
colours.
Tissue
(yellow,
orange,
fluffypaper
chicken
or two,
too.) or red)
Tape
Add plastic ducks or eggs with
Scissors
water inside to the sand and water
table.
What
do: eggs in sand for the
Buryto
plastic
Print
leaf pattern
heavy
printing paper, cut out and put aside.
children
to find.on
Place
stickers
Cut
piecethe
of eggs.
contact paper.
inside
Put
tape on
non-sticky
Provide
thethe
children
withside of the contact paper and tape it to the table.
Peel
off
the
backing
of
the contact
plastic bunnies and ducks
in the paper (sticky side will be facing up).
Have
tear smallplay.
pieces of tissue paper and have them completely cover the
sandchild
for dramatic
piece
of contact
paper.
Supply
the children
with
Cover
the
contact
paper
withEaster
another piece of contact paper.
different colours of plastic
Trace
onto
contact paper and cut out.
grassleaf
forshape
a tactile
experience.
Hide plastic eggs in plastic grass for
the children to find.
Dried Leaf Art
What you need:
Dried leaves
Construction paper
Brown paint or crayons
White glue
Paintbrush
Scissors
What to do:
Collect a variety of autumn-coloured leaves and let them dry.
In a bowl, let children crumble the leaves into small pieces.
Paint a tree trunk and branches on the construction paper.
With a brush spread glue all over the branches.
Let children sprinkle a small amount of the dried leaves on the glue.
Shake excess leaves back into the bowl.
Sensory Play
 Collect leaves: Pour them into an
empty bowl/basin. Allow children
to scrunch up the leaves with their
hands.
 Apple Play Dough: Use red,
yellow, and green coloured play
dough, adding cinnamon spice to
it. Show the children how to
create a play dough ball to
resemble an apple. Add a pipe
cleaner for a worm.
 Nature Walk Cornflour
Impressions: Collect leaves, twigs,
dried flowers etc…
To make cornflour impressions: In
a saucepan, mix together 1 cup
cornflour, 2 cups baking soda, and
1.25 cups water. Cook over
medium heat until the mixture
thickens. Cool, then flatten
mixture between sheets of waxed
paper. Let children lay items on
top of cornflour mixture and press
down firmly.
Remove and see impressions.
 Autumn Foil Pressing: Set out
pieces of aluminium foil and a variety of autumn leaves. Let each
child select a leaf, place it under a
piece of foil, and gently press and
rub the foil with his or her finger/
hand to get a leaf print.
Leaf Hop: Trace large leaf shapes
onto autumn-coloured craft paper,
laminate, and cut out. Place leaf
shapes on the floor and ask children
to hop, jump, leap etc from one leaf
to another.
Leaf Blowing: Have children blow
leaves across a table with a straw.
Have a leaf race. See who can blow
their leaf across the table first.
Squirrel and Nut: One child is "it"
and is given a nut or seed pod to hold.
The other children sit in a circle on the
floor and put their arms to the back,
hands making a cup. "It" tiptoes
around the outside of the circle and
puts the nut into one of the
outstretched hands. The child who
receives the nut stands up and chases
“it”. “It” runs around the circle and
sits down on the empty seat.
Fun with Leaves: Place a bag of
leaves into a big pile. Let children run
around and jump over or in the leaf
pile. Let children throw the leaves into
the air as if they are raining on them.
Ask children how the leaves feel, how
they sound, and how they look.
 Autumn Feeling Box: Put leaves,
acorns, apples etc. in a box.
Children take turns feeling inside
the box. Without looking, ask each
child to describe what he or she
feels and what they think it is.
 Playdough Leaf Impressions:
Children press leaves into the
playdough to make leaf
impressions.
 Finger paint: Mix a paste of
cornflour and cold water .
Continuously stir in boiling water
until it thickens to required
consistency. Add food colouring to
make autumn colours.
Giving the best to our children
Picasso once said: “Every child is an artist. The problem is how
to remain an artist once we grow up.” It is a challenge when
that little artist doesn't get our help to flourish. During the last
school holidays, the Playsmart playgroup members showed
their support for their little beings by holding an Art show.
Their group leader, Chandani takes up the story.
Art is a wonderful way for them to express themselves in a
creative, nonverbal form. The creative possibilities are
endless and go as far as their imagination can take them.
Along this journey they explore who they are and the world
around them. Most of all it’s fun! Art can help heighten
self-esteem and improve overall academic performance of
students.
We know that we won't be able to help them throughout their
childhood to carry on their talents with this art show but we
know that we can make a mark on their lives through this.
Most of our playgroup members were born and brought up in
a country where our education was completely free till higher
education. Even text books, uniforms and all extra curricular
activities including sports activities were free which gave us
more opportunities to grow. So we always try to give that
opportunity back to our children where we now live. We may not have the riches but we are rich with ideas,
creativity, connections and courage.
When our Children started drawing, they were happy to hear that as parents we were looking for a place to display
their art and to get a certificate for their achievements. We have spread the word and more and more children
started drawing so this made us to find a proper place for displaying their art instead of a playground as we initially
planned.
We contacted Fiona Jarvis at ACT Playgroups who suggested we contact Col Ellis, a photographer of 30 years who
owns a little art gallery and cafe in Higgins. Col kindly offered to help our children and provided the gallery space for
our special event.
As creativity is contagious, we wanted to pass that on to our little people, so we looked for professionals and used all
our connections to find artists. We found some amazing artists who were ready to share their talents with our
children. We invited the young Canberran Nipuni Wijewickrema of the year to be our MC at the event. Nipuni
immediately said "yes" and showed us the reason for that precious title .
When everything was working according to our expectations we thought about taking our art show to another level
by having a speaker to talk about the "benefits of encouraging young children in the arts". We were happy to find a
lovely speaker.
Parents started sending photos to us to show their little artists' enthusiasm for this art show. We advertised the show
on free classifieds and waited excitedly till the date. We did have some downs too though. During the lead up, we
coped with sick children, and with our busy schedules we couldn't always catch up for meetings, and some just
disappeared from the team so we had to wait for some responses but we didn't give up. No!!! For the sake of our
children and the anticipated benefits, we ran forward with 'a plan B' in our pocket all the time.
It was the day of our little art show and workshop. Col surprised us by
arranging all the art works in his gallery wall in such a beautiful way that
children screamed with delight at seeing their drawings. The happiness in
their eyes was priceless. According to W. Lambert Brittain, author of
“Creativity, Art, and the Young Child", the child's personality often shines
through loud and clear when he or she draws or paints. Brittain also says
that "Art activities not only reflect a child's inner self: they help form it."
All those art works reconfirmed this. Every little artist had a story behind
their art. They all received lots of compliments and praise for their
artworks. They received certificates for their art achievements from a
professional artist, and were engaged with professional artists to get tips
for their drawings.
Educator Abbey Townsend delivered a great speech about encouraging
young children in art which surely made parents think about their
actions towards it. Abbey explained the importance of a good night’s
sleep, and how encouraging children in art, limiting screen time and
visiting children’s shows can build our children's creativity.
We succeeded!! We all went home with the most beautiful thoughts in
our hearts. We didn't spend money on this event instead we used all the
resources around us and gave the best ever art experience to our children. Team work showed the best outcome.
I still remember our first playgroup with only two families in my backyard. Some days there weren't any visitors but as
always, we didn’t give up, we started introducing different activities and lots of families joined us. Then we had to
maintain a waiting list for those who loved to join with us.
We've celebrated Mother's Day with Zumba sessions for mums, Father's Day with boot camps, Australia Day with child
friendly BBQs, Christmas celebrations at church, and Children's Day with lots of child friendly activities. Not only that, we
received a Children's Week grant in 2013 to celebrate our Children's Day with a science workshop and first aid session
for parents which were the best ever events that we've organized. We are a very proud and active playgroup and we still
organise lots of gatherings for our children and community even though all our children have started school. We have
made lots of friends and learned lots of skills from our
playgroup.
Young multi cultural musicians
We hope that we have given you some ideas for how to
concert and music market
give the best experience to young children at no cost.
Remember those little hands will serve this world
16th July 2016 from 10am till 12 pm: FREE EVENT
tomorrow so doing something for them is an
We are looking for young musicians groups who can
investment in the future.
sing in another language with the minimum live music
Chandani Ramasundara.
Playsmart playgroup
instruments. We'll provide microphones and you bring
your musicians and instruments.
If your playgroup, school music group or music class
interested in this, please contact us. Also if any of the
professional musicians, music bands, music schools are
interested to promote themselves to young children
and parents, contact us to get a stall in our music market.
Come and join us to connect through the
universal language.
Chandani Ramasundara
[email protected]
Teenage Pregnancy and Parenthood
Brave Foundation—Helping now and Beyond
Many of you reading this will have recently given birth to a child. You will have experienced changes in so many
ways, confronted various challenges and struggles and juggled all sorts of issues. Now, imagine having had the
experience of bringing your child into the world in your teenage years. How would it have been different? How
could your challenges have been compounded?
When now CEO and Founding Director of the Brave Foundation, Bernadette Black unexpectedly became
pregnant at the age of 16, she was immediately bombarded by the stigmas of teenage pregnancy from almost
every direction and was overwhelmed by the lack of support and education available.
“Throughout my pregnancy, so many people looked at me critically and judgmentally and made me think that I
should be embarrassed and ashamed. I desperately searched for support and inspiration from others who had
been in my situation but found none”, says Bernadette.
Bernadette tells the story of how upon telling her father of the pregnancy, he stormed into the middle of the
large main street where they lived and screamed, “My 16 year old daughter’s had sex and now she’s pregnant”.
She also tells the story, still with confusion about what drew her to take such action, when she shared the news
of her pregnancy with a teacher at her school. He took her by the hands, looked her straight in the eyes and
said, “Bernadette, the journey might be different now, but the destination can stay the same”.
It was these wise, measured words that made all the
difference for Bernadette and have allowed her to be the
woman she is today.
Bernadette made three promises to herself:

She would be a good mother.

She would complete her education.

She would write a book to help and encourage others
in her situation.
Bernadette has in fact gone on to do much more than that,
with one of those things being founding the Brave
Foundation. The foundation is an Australian not-for-profit
charity that equips those experiencing teenage pregnancy
and parenting with resources, referral and education
opportunities to facilitate happy, healthy and skilled
families over time.
The foundation’s major fundraising event, The World’s
Biggest Baby Shower, is happening throughout this month
when they call for workplaces, schools, sporting clubs and
community groups to hold a fundraising shower to honour
all mums and mothering role models. Why not host a
shower, from yummy food and silly games to sparkly drinks
and colourful decorations, it can be nothing but fun for a
good cause.
For those who are pregnant or hosting a baby shower for a
friend or relative, there is an opportunity to register the
event as a Brave ‘sister baby shower’. The shower can be
held at any time of the year and donations can be collected
from guests to support Brave.
For further information visit
http://bravefoundation.org.au/.
Are you or do you know a
young mum interested in
a YOUNG PARENTS
PLAYGROUP?
where parents under 25 come to hang out and
have fun
Please contact ACT Playgroups on 1800 171 882
or email play@ playgroupact.org.au to register
your interest.
Your support will mean that young people don’t have to
feel alone and they will learn that most mistakes don’t have
We are also looking for volunteers to help
to destroy life but rather that a different journey will have
support, coordinate and assist in the running of
to be taken in order to arrive at the same destination
this playgroup.
Australia! Story Country
On 18 April the Children’s Book Council of Australia announced the Notable books in all five categories of the annual
Children’s Book of the Year Awards. From these titles a Short List will be released on Friday 20 May. On 19 August the
2016 Winning and Honour Books will be announced and celebrated. The list below contains the titles of books chosen
as Notable for the Early Childhood category. Pictures of book covers and other information can be found at the CBCA
website – cbcaact.org.au.
Follow them on www.facebook.com/cbcaact.
Title
Author
Illustrator
Alfie’s Lost Sharkie
Walker, Anna
Walker, Anna
As Big As You
Acton, Sara
Acton, Sara
Bogtrotter
Wild, Margaret
Rossell, Judith
Frog Finds A Place
Leffler, Dub
Hop Up! Wriggle Over!
Morgan, Sally and
Kwaymullina, Ezekiel
Honey, Elizabeth
I Need A Hug
Blabey, Aaron
Blabey, Aaron
I’m a Hungry Dinosaur
Brian, Janeen
James, Ann
Meep
Geppert, Andy
Geppert, Andy
Mr Huff
Walker, Anna
Walker, Anna
My Dog Bigsy
Lester, Alison
Lester, Alison
Ollie and the Wind
Ronojoy, Ghosh
Ronojoy, Ghosh
Perfect
Parker, Danny
Blackwood, Freya
Pig the Fibber
Blabey, Aaron
Blabey, Aaron
Piranhas Don’t Eat Bananas
Blabey, Aaron
Blabey, Aaron
Puddles are for Jumping
Dunstan, Kylie
Dunstan, Kylie
Small and Big
Collum, Karen
Wood, Ben
The Cow Tripped Over The
Moon
The Very Noisy Bear
Wilson, Tony
Wood, Laura
Bland, Nick
Bland, Nick
This & That
Fox, Mem
Horacek, Judy
This is a Ball
Stanton, Beck and Matt
Thunderstorm Dancing
Stanton, Beck and
Matt
Germein, Katrina
Too Busy Sleeping
Louise, Zanni
Pignataro, Anna
What Do You Wish For?
Godwin, Jane
Walker, Anna
Honey, Elizabeth
Watson, Judy
Julie Long
OAM President Children’s Book Council of Australia ACT Branch.
Save your cash and pull out the pegs By Maggie Dent
Babies and toddlers are learning constantly from
everything they see, hear, taste, touch and smell
because our senses are VITALLY important in brain
growth.
Have you ever noticed a young child’s face the first
time they taste something new, touch a kitten for the
first time or see something bright and unusual?
That’s a WOW moment to them. Parents can build as
many WOW moments as possible from real-life
experiences like plastics cupboards, peg baskets,
cardboard boxes, cellophane paper and human
interaction.
The consumer world has put enormous pressure on parents to buy toys and ‘stuff’ to make their child stimulated
and smart. Also, in some places there is pressure to schedule lots of classes and activities — also designed to make
your child smarter and cleverer.
Parents do not have to buy things to or create highly structured, supervised activities to stimulate their baby or
young child.
Naturally, their sensory world is constantly processing because almost everything is being reviewed and explored.
By playing with something simple like the plastics found in the kitchen cupboard, your little ones will be developing
their fine and gross motor skills, improving sensory awareness and memory skills and enjoying being independent
autonomous learners.
On a family visit to my sister’s home a couple of years ago, I watched her two-year-old granddaughter do some
amazing brain building right in front of us. She was wandering around in my sister’s garden and found an empty
ice cream container.
When she picked it up you could almost hear her brain ticking over, “What is it? What can I do with it?” Then she
put it on her head and walked off, and it fell off.
She tried it twice more and obviously that was not very exciting or interesting. She paused, again looking at this
container. And then she put it on the lawn upside down and stood on it. She then jumped off with a, “Ta dah!”
When she had fully engaged with this new experience she looked to her nanny as if to say, “Wow, look what I can
do”. She proceeded to do this several times until she tired of it, and then just left it and went in search of
something else she might be able to explore. This is learning and mastery at work – and all it cost was a tub of ice
cream.
Here are my top 5 awe-inspiring toddler opportunities at home
1. Pegs … lots of pegs. When you are hanging out washing, little ones love to sit at your feet and play/pass pegs.
2. Don’t throw out boxes. If your neighbour is getting a new fridge delivered, ask if you can have the box and let
the fun begin.
3. A sand pit and preferably rocks is a must for any toddler/baby garden or
balcony/veranda.
4. Recycling can be fun! With the exception of tins and glass, let your little one
run amok in your kitchen recycling bin.
Make sure there is one cupboard (or even a box to pull out of a cupboard) in your
kitchen where your child can have free reign to sort, stack, bang and experiment
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with unbreakable items while you cook.
Come along to Paint and Play
Join us for some fun in the wonderful outdoors….
Who: Children – birth to 5 years - with their mums, dads and carers.
What: A fun time to paint, do puzzles, enjoy craft, sensory and physical play activities, play
games, sing songs and read stories, make friends and connect with other families
Cost: Gold coin donation to support the ongoing sustainability of the program
When: During school terms.
For information about Paint and Play you can contact ACT Playgroups on 1 800 171 882 or
via their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/ACT-Paint-and-Playgroup1636120529972625/?fref=ts
ACT Playgroups Paint and Play Locations
Ainslie Paint and Play
Location: Ainslie (Wakefield Avenue)
Day: Wednesday (during school terms)
Time: 9:30am to 11:00am
Agency/Partners: Parentline; ACT Playgroups, YMCA
Enquiries: 6287 3833 (Parentline ACT); 6242 4040 (YMCA) 1800 171 882 ACT Playgroups 1800 171 882
Franklin Paint and Play
Location: Franklin Park, Oodgeroo Avenue, Franklin
Day: Thursday (during school terms)
Time: 9:30am – 11:00am
Agency/Partners: ACT Playgroups, Anglicare,
Franklin Early Childhood School
Enquiries: ACT Playgroups 1800 171 882
Extra bonus ... Coffee van onsite
Holt Paint and Play
New!
Location: Holt (3/80 Beaurepaire Cres, Holt)
Day: Tuesday (during school terms)
Time: 10:00am—11:30am
Agency/Partners: ACT Playgroups, Anglicare
Enquiries: ACT Playgroups 1800 171 882
Isabella Plains Paint and Play
(Backyard Rangers)
Location: 130-140 Ellerston Ave, Isabella Plains
Day: Friday (during school terms)
Time: 9:30am – 11:00am
Agency / Partners: ACT Playgroups, Isabella Plains
Early Childhood School
Enquiries: ACT Playgroups 1800 171 882
Donations needed
Please help
ACT Playgroups is looking to start some new special interest Community playgroups in various venues across
Canberra. These groups include nature based playgroups and playgroups in Aged Care Facilities. To support
these groups we would love to provide some toy kits and are looking for donations of the following:
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Small tables and chairs for children
Nature based toys and equipment
Puzzles and games for babies, toddlers and preschoolers
Good quality nature based outdoor toys
Books for children birth—5 years
Craft materials—paper to paint on, pencils, crayons, stickers, children’s scissors etc.
Good quality plastic or wooden toys (catering to birth—5 years)
Trucks, cars, trains and car mats, train tracks
Musical instruments (catering to birth—5 years)
Parachutes
Sensory toys
If you have any toys you would be happy to donate please contact ACT
Playgroups on 1800 171 882 or email [email protected]
Nature Play bringing more nature and play into your life!
by Nicole Sadlier, Co-ordinator Sticks & Stones Playgroup
What image springs into your mind when you read the words ‘Nature
Play’? Cubby houses in the bush made from scavenged materials? A
purpose built playground that imitates nature? Simply heading outside (regardless of the weather) and exploring the natural environment?
When I think back to my childhood, some of my strongest memories
of playing in nature are such things as creating mud pies, picking wild
blackberries and climbing an old gnarled lemon tree in the bush
(quickly learning to dodge thorns on both accounts), digging for clay,
cubbies at the end of the street, splashing about down the creek,
catching insects and tadpoles, and bushwalking. And, when visiting
my grandparents, being happily hoisted onto the carport roof to
collect macadamias - then given a hammer to crack the nuts…and yes,
thumbs were smashed, so I learnt the importance of accuracy with a
hammer! This may sound fanciful to some, but to me these
experiences are part of what
childhoods are made of.
Nature Play is a term we’re hearing more often in relation to
children’s play, but it’s nothing new. It’s the way most children have
played for centuries, especially those from hunter gatherer cultures
where play is how children learn the skills needed in their society. In
it’s truest form, Nature Play is simply unstructured play outdoors and
in nature.
When I described Nature Play to my parents (now in their 70s) they
laughed. They described their own childhoods with very limited toys,
and much encouragement from their parents to get out of the house.
The outdoors was their natural space in which to explore, create and
play.
You may ask, ‘Why has play changed so significantly for many in just
two generations?’ Firstly, there’s the evolution of screen technology
(think TV, iPads, iPhones, etc), then there’s endless toy options, busy
family schedules and more structured activities on offer. All of this
has contributed to children spending less time in unstructured play,
less time outdoors and needing to be less resourceful in creating toys
and playthings from objects they can find.
I’m not saying all these new options are bad - many are great
additions to our lives. Hand held technology and Google allows us to
answer loads of interesting questions, where previously we had to
trawl through an encyclopedia. But how do we get more ‘nature play’
happening for our families?
Firstly, don’t over think it and don’t expect a particular outcome. That’s the beauty of play, it’s
something you do for enjoyment and recreation rather than a serious or practical purpose. Plus, play is
innate to children so follow their lead. Kids don’t seem to be able to help themselves, no matter what
environment you plonk them into, sooner or later they’ll find a way to play with what’s at hand.
Let’s get started with 10 simple ideas to bring more nature and play into your life:
Go Outside
Step out of your house, and you’re in nature! If you can, leave the car at home and walk to your local
park or shops. Ok, it will take ages with a toddler so not recommended when you’re on a deadline to get
home and get dinner in the oven. Choose a time when you have the time to slow down, observe
everything that grabs their attention, talk about what you see, even take a small bucket to collect items
of interest to take home (oh, and be prepared to have your stroller and your pockets full of must have
items too).
Talk & Read About Nature
Nature is constantly changing: seasons, moon cycles, weather, sunrises and sunsets - and all of this stuff
is fascinating to children. Bring your attention and theirs to the changes in sights, smells and sounds.
Name plants, and animals that you see. Borrow books from the library where the story lines follow a
nature theme - and relate the story to something you have experienced together to gently reinforce the
connection.
Observe Animals
Kids love animals of all shapes and sizes. My little guy has been known to sit next to dogs at the local cafe
to literally say “Hello”, and then point out all the body parts. Whenever you see an animal, bird or insect
stop and take a moment to observe it and talk about it. Make insects easier to observe by placing them in
a jar so your child can take their time checking it out before it’s released.
If you can, start a Worm Farm. Wriggly worms are a real hit with kids! These little guys are super easy
pets - plus they eat your kitchen scraps and give you awesome garden food in return. They’re also the
beginning of great
conversations about
insects and recycling.
And, they’re great for
small spaces, including
balconies.
Grow Something
Growing a garden really
connects you to nature,
the seasons and the
weather. Start small
and easy if you’re new
to growing - a couple of
largish pots is ideal.
Then once you build up
your confidence, add
more pots or tackle a
raised garden bed.
Also choose something you like - maybe it’s flowers, succulents or something you can eat like sprouts,
herbs or micro-greens?
Growing food plants helps you to connect your gardening (ie nature) to the kitchen - and kids love to pick,
sniff and taste all these different scents and flavours. When we did our first potted garden, my little guy
spent a good three weeks, naming each herb on our verandah every time we left the house, nipped off a
few leaves for tasting, and got super excited each time I said we needed to cut herbs for dinner.
Take Adventures in Different Natural Environments
When you have more time on your hands, visit the lake, bush, snow and beach. Expose your child to all
these wonderful places - day trips and picnics are great. Or, if you’re feeling confident do an overnight
camping trip - go for it!
Create a Mud Kitchen
Recipe for a mud kitchen is as follows - gather your ingredients:
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take old saucepans, metal bowls, cups, metal or timber utensils (charity shops are a great place to find
items)
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add sand or soil
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add a bucket of water
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add leaves, flowers, bark, sticks (optional)
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add child
Mud kitchens can be super simple or more complex, but the above recipe is tried and tested to provide
hours of fun. Sand soup anyone?
Collect & Create
Remember that small bucket that follows you each time you venture outdoors? Well, you’re bound to
come home with a treasure trove of items such as feathers, acorns, leaves, etc to adorn your kitchen table
and be incorporated into crafty projects, before being returned to nature to make room for the next
collection. Add to the experience by providing your child with a box of paper, glue and paints and they
can turn their findings into art.
Get Barefoot
Allow your child to walk barefoot, and kick off
your shoes too! A whole new lot of sensations
come into play when you walk with bare feet.
A podiatrist recently said to me that when
babies and toddlers only walk in shoes it’s like
learning to talk with earphones in. Basically,
they’re missing out on a whole lot of sensory
information. If you want to learn more on this,
have a Google about the benefits of walking
barefoot and brain development.
Get on their Level
When exploring with your child - kneel, sit and
squat to come down to their level. You’ll find
the world looks completely different when
you’re less than a metre tall, plus it brings you
face-to-face to observe what they’re
experiencing. On the flip side, get them onto
your shoulders too so they can experience the
joy of being tall and a different view point.
Keep the Costs Low
Whoever said ‘the best things in life are free’
must have known that 2L milk bottles can be
played with again and again! It wasn’t until I
had a kid that I discovered the endless options a
2L milk bottle can be repurposed into with a
pair of scissors and some creative thinking.
Give items destined for your recycling bin a
second life - milk bottles can be a funnel, a sand pit scoop, a handled bucket, a cup, pot for planting and
vessel to hold your paintbrushes and acorn collection.
I truly hope the above helps you to bring more nature and natural experiences into your life, and motivates
you to try something new with your family. To connect with other families who are interested in exploring
nature play, here are some options:
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Join our Sticks & Stones Playgroup at Cook on Thursday mornings
Speak with the coordinators of Sticks & Stones about starting a nature themed program at your current
playgroup
Visit and ‘Like’ our recently launched Sticks & Stones Facebook page - more updates coming soon
Email [email protected] with your questions
I would like to leave you with the words of one of my favourite inspiring writers, Henry David
Thoreau…”I am struck by the fact that the more slowly trees grow at first, the sounder they are at
the core, and I think that the same is true of human beings. We do not wish to see children
precocious, making great strides in their early years like sprouts, producing a soft and perishable
timber, but better if they expand slowly at first, as if contending with difficulties, and so are
solidified and perfected. Such trees continue to expand with nearly equal rapidity to extreme old
age.”
I
Please share your excursion
pictures and stories so we
can showcase your
playgroup experiences.
The following playgroups are looking for new members:
Email to:
[email protected]
Bandicoots Playgroup, Cook: Relaxed babies and toddlers playgroup with welcoming
families. Ages birth-3 years.
Day and time: Friday 12:00—2:00pm
Contact: ACT Playgroups on 1800 171 882 or email [email protected]
Nicholls NNC Playgroup: Fun playgroup for children birth-5 years. Fantastic equipment.
Shared morning tea. Everyone welcome.
Day and time: Tuesday 9:30—11:30
Contact: [email protected] or 1800 171 882
Palmerston Possums: Open to families with children birth-5 years. We share fruit,
take turns with craft and have indoor and outdoor areas for the children to play.
Day and time: Friday 9:30 –11:30
Contact: Erin at [email protected]
Language playgroups: ACT Playgroups already supports many language playgroups:
Korean, Japanese, Mandarin, German, Dutch, Italian, French, Spanish, Igraonica
(Bosnia&Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro or Serbia) and most recently Cantonese.
If you would be interested in starting your own language playgroup, or finding out
more about existing groups—Contact: [email protected] or 1800 171 882
♚
KEEP CALM
AND JOIN A
PLAYGROUP
Car stickers
available free
from ACT
Playgroups
office
We welcome the following
new playgroup….
Kambah Sing & Play Eternity Playgroup, Fri am,
(Ages birth-4) *
* Indicates groups with vacancies and open to new members
Let us showcase your
playgroup
We love to include playgroup stories in our publication. Does your
playgroup have a special theme? Have you gone on an excursion lately?
Have the kids enjoyed an
exciting craft activity or
learnt a new skill?
If so we would love to
hear from you. Please
email Fiona at
ACT Playgroups Association Inc.
PO Box 513
JAMISON CENTRE ACT 2614
41 Templeton St,
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Fax: (02) 6251 9887
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