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JOIN PLAYGROUP FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A FAMILY HOLIDAY OR FUN DAY OUT!

Discover the benefits of playgroup for you and your child PLUS you could WIN!! Playgroup WA is excited to be offering a chance to win family prizes to Playgroup WA members. EVERYONE who is a current Playgroup WA family member on 14 October 2024 is automatically in the running to…

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National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day is held annually on 4 August to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. This day encourages services and organisations to be inclusive of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in early years services and schools. Watch and Share this Video by…

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School Readiness

Playgroup helps us learn & prepare for school!

Did you know... “Children who attend playgroups during early childhood have significantly better child development when they start school” Telethon Kids Institute (2016 Research Paper) Interaction & social skills Social skills play a vital role in a child's successful transition into school life. Social skills are the skills we use…

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3 ways to help kids transition away from screens smoothly

As many parents would have experienced, young children need to learn emotional self-management to be able to transition from one activity they are enjoying to the next activity without a meltdown. Many parents find helping a child finish using a screen device challenging. As part of a study funded by…

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4 ways to use technology to help kids be active

Everyone knows that being physically active is great for kids and helps them be healthy and happy. But many of us worry that technology use is reducing the physical activity of our children. Playgroup WA has been working with ABC Kids, Raising Children Network and Curtin University on a project…

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Mothers Day

Mother’s Day Handprint Crafts

These easy handprint crafts make sweet Mother's Day gifts and keepsakes! Handprint Flower Card What you need: Paint Paint brushes and/or sponge Card   What to do: You can do this in two ways: take a damp sponge and put it on a plate, apply a few squirts of paint…

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Earth Day

Earth Day Seed Bombs

Get your hand's messy with your little ones with Earth seed bombs! This activity is great for sensory play and also provides an opportunity to talk about the planet and how plants grow! What you need: Coloured paper (blue, white, green) Packets of seeds Water Bowls Blender What to do:…

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Easter

Easter Craft – Footprint Bunny

Hop to it and create some bunny-tastic art with your little one's footprints! Image credit   What you need: Paper/card Paint Paper plates Pipecleaners What to do: Paint 2 paper plates and cut the edge off one to make it slightly smaller, glue the plates to make the head and…

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Autumn

Leaf Painting – Autumn Craft

Get your little ones out & about, exploring nature and their creativity with this leaf painting craft! Image credit   What you need: Paints Paint brush Paper or card (optional) Leaves What to do: Take your little ones out for a walk and collect fallen leaves Let your child's creativity…

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Valentine’s Day Craft – Handprint Love Bug

Help your little ones express their love with this super sweet handprint love bug craft! What you need:  Construction paper or card stock Red and black washable paint Sponge or paint brush Black marker Googley eyes (optional) Scissors Glue What to do: Cut out a small circle for the lady…

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WIN

Early Bird 2024

*COMPETITION CLOSED* Simply join or renew your membership* with your local playgroup by 22nd March 2024 and you will automatically go into the draw to win some great prizes! Super Early Birds who join in February have more chances to win! Major Prize Draw Perth Zoo Cub Club Major Prize (for children aged…

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12 Days of Christmas Crafts

Bonus crafts! Mistle-toes This craft is a fun activity and a lovely keepsake. Here we have provided printable templates but we have also included some examples of how to draw them yourself. What you need for the mistle-toes wreath: Printed or drawn paper template Paint Sponge (optional) Markers or pens…

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Stories from our Playgroups: First Friends Playgroup Inc Advocates for Local Change

In 2022, First Friends Playgroup Inc was at risk of having to close its doors. Faced with falling membership numbers, an ageing building, a lease with high maintenance responsibilities and costly bills, the playgroup was at breaking point. The committee was exhausted and close to burnout. The committee shared their…

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Reuse and Play with Playgroup WA: Holiday Season Edition

The holiday season brings lots of potential craft and play materials into our homes – cardboard boxes from deliveries, wrapping paper and ribbons from presents and plastic bottles from end-of-year gatherings. If your playgroup is taking a break over the summer, below are three ways you can craft and play…

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Father’s Day Craft Ideas

Planning on getting creative with Father's Day crafts for someone special in your life? Here are some fun ideas from our playgroup community that you can do with your little ones together at home or at playgroup! Best Dad Medal & Trophy Your little ones can create this incredibly sweet…

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International Day of Friendship

On the 30th July we are asked to step back and be thankful for all the special relationships in our lives. Friendship and connecting is synonymous with bonding, and it's through building these bonds we share common ground, can look past differences and promote a community that is inclusive and…

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6 Benefits of Playing with Playdough

Playing with playdough provides many benefits for young children and toddlers. Playdough is a classic childhood favourite that's been around for many years and provides hours of fun. It's the perfect play activity - it's squishy, colourful and there's no wrong or right way to play. Next time your children…

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New Video: Bringing the generations together!

Intergenerational Playgroups are so special to us at Playgroup WA. And you can see why with our latest video! These groups are a wonderful way to build beautiful relationships for both the families and seniors. They offer opportunities to broaden a child’s life experiences, build acceptance of older people and…

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NAIDOC Week: Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!

Written by Michelle Craig Playgroup WA’s Aboriginal Playgroup Coordinator NAIDOC Week is celebrated every year in July and is an opportunity for us to pause, reflect and celebrate the many achievements of Aboriginal people including the Aboriginal families, children and staff members that participate in playgroups across the state. NAIDOC…

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Outdoor activity ideas to do with your children

Fun Outdoor Winter Activities for Kids

Are you looking for outdoor winter activity inspiration to do with your kids? We all know there are heaps of benefits for children playing outside in winter. So we’ve written some fun outdoor winter nature activities to do with your kids to encourage you all to get outside! Scavenger Hunt…

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NAIDOC Week Activities

Click here to learn more about this year's NAIDOC poster NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia in the first week of July each year (Sunday to Sunday), to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all…

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5 Ways To Play: Recycled Plastic Bottles

Incorporating recycled plastic bottles as toys is a great way to incorporate recycling concepts into play time. We've previously shared the benefits of using plastic bottles as homemade toys. Showing children how to reuse and recycle materials for different purposes is an important learning opportunity too. There are endless ways…

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Mother’s Day – Activity & Craft Ideas

Get creative this Mothers Day! Have a look at some of these cute crafts and activities from our playgroup community to do with your little one for someone special in your life. Cupcakes For something sweet, why not make some yummy cupcakes as gifts? Click here to see our easy…

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Easter Activity & Craft Ideas

Here are some of our favourite Easter crafts from our Playgroup community to get you inspired!   Easter Egg Baskets Each child can create their very own Easter egg basket! You'll need some paper plates, shredded paper, paper strips and Easter treats of your choice. Aubin Grove Playgroup   Dyeing…

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Playgroup at the Park: Play ideas for the sandpit

We know many of our school groups have been impacted by COVID regulations preventing groups from meeting at school. But this does not have to stop you from seeing one another - meeting at your local park or playground is a great way to continue to meet up and connect.…

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5 Ways To Play: With a Tray

Incorporating a tray for play time encourages open-ended exploratory play opportunities. They're perfect DIY activities you can set up easily at playgroup or anywhere such as the park or home. Setting up play activities using a tray is great for little hands as it can help keep kids focused while…

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Sorting activity ideas

Sorting and matching activities are a great play idea to do with your child, not only does it have many benefits but it's one of the first activities they will instinctively pick up. The best part is that sorting and matching can be done through every day simple activities. Have…

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Why sorting and matching is important for young children

Sorting is one of the first skills that our kids can master. It may seem like an easy skill, but sorting is so much more. Sorting is the ability to identify similarities and differences among a set of objects and grouping them accordingly. When your child is engaging in these…

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Playgroup WA Member Discounts

Playgroup WA member discounts continue! Our gift to you 💝 Playgroup WA family members have exclusive access to a wide range of discounts on movie tickets, attractions, experiences and gift cards. This includes some of your favourite places like Event Cinemas, HOYTS, Wanneroo Botanical Gardens & Mini Golf, Adventure World,…

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Fun water play ideas

If you're looking for simple water play ideas that are easy but guaranteed to keep your little one busy then check out our list! Water play is very beneficial for little ones for so many reasons. We love it because it's simple, versatile and can be done any time of…

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Celebrating traditions: an important part of a child’s development

Celebrating traditions are not just fun but an important part of a child's development. Many of us can think back to our childhood and recognise fun and special traditions we celebrated together with our families. Whether it was birthdays, Christmas, school holidays or other culturally celebrated events - these memories…

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Christmas Craft Ideas

With only a few weeks left until Christmas, lots of little ones will love doing Christmas themed crafts! If you're feeling particularly festive and looking for some inspiration, check out what some of our playgroups have done below.   DIY Christmas Aprons We love this idea - not only is…

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SMS4dads helping new dads

The birth of a new baby can be the happiest time in a dad's life. But getting ready for the new arrival can be difficult. All the changes after the birth can also be hard to manage. This is a time when dads are usually very busy and they may…

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Playgroup Christmas Party Activity Ideas

If you're needing some ideas to help plan your own playgroup Christmas party, have a look at what some of our playgroups have done! Christmas parties are a fun way to wrap up the year and many playgroups choose to have a special party just for their members. Here are…

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Planning your playgroup Christmas Party

In the process of planning your end of year playgroup Christmas party and not sure where to start? December is already a busy time for many and planning a Christmas event shouldn't be complicated. Here are some ideas to help plan your party: Keep it simple - if the choices…

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Top 3 benefits of playgroup for children

There are so many benefits from children attending playgroup. We know the research shows that children who attend playgroup in the early years have significantly better child development when they start school. The period between birth and 5 years is the most rapid stage of brain and skill development. Kids…

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Bring a Senior to Playgroup Week 2024

Bring a Senior to Playgroup Week (4-10 November 2024) is Playgroup WA's annual celebration of the important role seniors play in our families and communities. While we know many grandparents and other special seniors already attend playgroup, it's time to celebrate the many wonderful ways they inspire, nurture and play! …

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Playgroup WA Resource Kit

Announcing the new Playgroup WA Resource Kit Playgroup WA is excited to announce our new Playgroup WA Resource Kit. This new online resource is packed full of information on the playgroup sector and how to manage playgroups. It is a ‘one-stop destination’ for anyone interested in running, hosting, attending or making…

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Organising your AGM or End of Year Meeting

We are heading into that time of the year again when lots of playgroups will be holding their Annual General Meeting (AGM). If your playgroup is Incorporated this is a legal requirement guided by your constitution, for all other playgroups this could be a simple an end of year meeting.…

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Fun indoor activities to do with a toddler

Looking for fun indoor activities to do with your toddler? Look no further. Setting up activities when you're stuck indoors doesn't need to be difficult or elaborate - in fact, they should be easy and most of the time, you can use things from around the house. We asked our…

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Incursion ideas to do at playgroup

Incursion ideas for your playgroup

Looking for incursion ideas to do at playgroup? Incursions are a fun way for little ones to learn from new experiences. Meeting new faces and participating in new activities is great to encourage their social skills. It's also nice to plan out the playgroup year with some exciting activities. Have…

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Messy Play Ideas

Looking for messy play ideas? Messy play (and sensory play) is a fun activity for kids of all ages! It engages all the senses and is particularly important form of play especially for babies and toddlers. If you like, you can read about the benefits of messy play here. The…

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The benefits of messy play

Messy play is lots of fun and a great opportunity for little ones to develop some important skills. Many parents can be hesitant when they first think about messy play but they don’t need to be! Kids need to understand the world through their senses. Messy play provides children with…

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5 Reasons Our Members Love Playgroup

Have you been thinking about joining a playgroup? Or have you been hesitant about visiting one? Read on to discover why playgroup is so beneficial for families.   Every year we ask our wonderful community to give us feedback on their personal experience with playgroup. In 2020, we received over 700 responses from our members, and this is what they had…

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young children don't need fancy toys, there are many household items can be used as fun toys.

7 household items that make great toys 

Here are some household items you probably have lying around your house that can make great toys! Giving your child lots of play opportunities is the best way your child will learn during their early years. But young children don’t need fancy toys in order to have fun and play.…

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Water play is a great way for your child to learn through play and develop important early skills

Top 5 Benefits of Water Play

Does your child love water play? Read on for the top 5 benefits of water play! Water play is an activity that can be enjoyed all year round.  The great thing about water play is not only can it inspire loud, splashy, active fun but it can be the perfect…

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Ways to be inclusive at playgroup

Ways to be inclusive at playgroup

Everyone wants to feel comfortable and included at playgroup, but sometimes it can be a challenge to know how to achieve that when a child seems to be “a bit different”. As a parent of an adult child with autism, working as a special needs education assistant and being a…

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The top 5 ways being on a committee can work for you 

No matter how big or small your playgroup is, all playgroups need people to work together to help make things happen.  Your playgroup may have a formal committee with clearly defined roles and tasks, or you may be part of a group that has a more informal way of organising things.  Either way…

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This Christmas lets be mindful of our child's mental health

Avoiding the hyper-parenting trap

As we enter the home run for 2020 and start to gear up for Christmas - spare a thought for your pre-schooler’s mental health. It is saddening to know that 1 in 7 primary school children in Australia struggle with poor mental health*. It’s a very fast-paced adult world we…

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More than play

When people first think of playgroup, they probably imagine a group of kids playing and having fun with lots of messy play, toys, books, laughter and general happy noise.  But what if they were to take a closer look?  What they might not see is the first-time mum who has…

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Top tips for a successful committee handover

Heading into the second half of the year is a good time to plan a ‘wind up’ meeting to hand over records, bank details and change account signatories. If the playgroup is incorporated it is a good idea to arrange a meeting for the outgoing playgroup committee to hand over…

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Benefits of reading to your little ones

Books are entertaining and fun but more than that, sharing books with your child is extremely beneficial for their early development and life long learning. Reading books with your children provides them with many building blocks for important development throughout life. Books spark the imagination, expands their vocabulary and encourages…

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Halloween Activity Ideas

It’s time to get spooky! If you’re looking for Halloween themed activities then have a look at what some of our playgroups have done. These are great for you to do at your own playgroup or at home. Sensory Activity Stations Gooseberry Hill playgroup had different sensory stations for their…

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Learning to share and take turns  

Sharing is a skill that takes years for young ones to develop, but something that parents can help guide and support from early on. Learning to share and take turns takes time to develop and doesn’t always come naturally for some. The concept of having to wait can be hard, especially for impulsive toddlers and pre-schoolers. …

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Tips to help find new members

Have a look at these tips to help find new members and ways to welcome past members back. Promoting Your Playgroup Playgroups are a source of enjoyment for many families in the community and are an important community resource. With many parents coming out of social isolation, it is a…

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Benefits of Outdoor Play in Winter

Have a look at the benefits of winter outdoor play. Being outdoors comes with many benefits and opportunities for exploration and learning. But what about heading outside during these colder months? While it might feel like those rainy days restrict us from enjoying outdoor play, the truth is there are…

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Tips for safely returning to playgroup

As more playgroups are starting to reopen, many of you have been looking for advice on what other groups are doing during this next phase.   Our development officers have gathered some good tips from those that have resumed sessions, some of which could apply to or be adapted to work within your own playgroup. Have a look at these below.    Cleaning  If possible, prior…

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Fun ways to help develop fine motor skills

Fine motor skills are important for little ones to develop during the early years. Learn why and what you can do to help your child with these skills. What are fine motor skills? Fine motor skills involve the use of the small muscles that control the hand, fingers and thumb. They require…

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Earth Day Activities

Celebrate Earth Day with your little ones with these activities! Every year on April 22nd, Earth Day brings the world together to celebrate, and it’s the perfect time to talk about our wonderful planet with our little ones! When children connect and contribute to their world, it broadens their experiences…

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Learn Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes in Noongar

Learn the words to "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes" with your little one in Noongar! Watch our Development Officer, Kristy, sing it along with her son here. [video width="720" height="1280" mp4="https://www.playgroupwa.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/10000000_2517427948510779_3877926388078900819_n.mp4"][/video] Below are the names for each of the parts.     '    

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Scavenger Hunt Activity

Scavenger Hunts are a fun activity to do at home with little ones. Our Scavenger Hunt activity sheets below are perfect for younger children to enjoy and with the help of a parent or carer, they will have heaps of fun working through the list and ticking off all the…

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Social-Iso Parenting: Tips from our community

Being a parent is a juggle in itself and with these new circumstances comes new challenges. Recently, we asked our community to share with us how they are staying positive and connected, especially with those who have young ones at home. Here are some of the great tips we received…

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Playgroup WA launches Playgroup at Home WA

In this challenging time, we have some exciting news. We have launched a new Facebook group called Playgroup at Home WA. This group is for WA families with children aged 0-5 years and in it we will share many different activities and ideas to keep you inspired, entertained and connected…

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How to stay connected with your playgroup

Connecting with your playgroup families right now is more important than ever. While we can’t meet physically, we can still connect using technology – phone, email, text, WhatsApp, Messenger, Facebook, Zoom... there are many options and in this article we explore a few of these.   Positive, social connection has always been a great way to help…

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Fundraising Case Study: Rainbow Playgroup Community Disco

Welcome to our first Case Study blog! This new blog series is all about playgroups sharing their ideas and experiences so that other playgroups can get inspired and find out what has worked and lessons learnt. We’ll be chatting with playgroups about topics like fundraising, membership drives, getting people to join the…

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Tips for Visiting a Seniors Aged Care Home

Visiting a local aged care home can be a fun and rewarding experience for all parties involved! If you are thinking of organising a visit with your playgroup for the first time, we’ve listed some of our top tips to help you:  Aged Care Staff are great with directing activities and can…

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Fundraising for your Playgroup

Fundraising for your playgroup is great way to raise extra money whether it be to help make running your group easier or for new equipment or toys! If you’re looking for some ideas, have a look below at some of the most popular suggestions from us and our Facebook community.…

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Scissor Skill Practice: Cutting Playdough

Using scissors helps to improve hand eye coordination and is great for building muscle tone that will be required for writing later on in schooling years. It is also something that requires a bit of practice! Often little ones may start to show an interest in cutting but can find…

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Homemade Toys: Why recycled bottles are great for play!

Homemade toys, such as recycled bottles, can provide the same level of fun and learning opportunities as most mainstream toys. Toys are fun and a great way to extend the play experience but they don't need to be fancy. Especially for the younger ones. A good toy is one that stimulates your…

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Three meaningful gifts to give your child this Christmas

Christmas is a lovely time of year where we focus on kindness, family and togetherness. And while it’s also largely associated with receiving and opening presents, it can be a great opportunity to teach our children that ‘gifts’ extend beyond the physical and can be experiences that turn into treasured…

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Environmentally friendly alternatives to wrapping paper

Did you know that not all wrapping paper is recyclable? In Australia alone, the amount of wrapping paper waste is around 150,000kms - that's enough to cover the world almost four times over! If you're looking at ways to help reduce wrapping paper waste this festive season, here are some…

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Water Safety Month

WATER SAFETY MONTH is an initiative of Playgroup WA and the Royal Life Saving Society WA. Water Safety Month is in November and playgroup members can join in the fun by participating in water play activities whilst learning about being safe around water. Check out this informative Water Resource Kit…

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Halloween Activity Ideas

It's time to get spooky! Halloween is coming up and if you're looking for Halloween themed activities then we've listed some of our favourites below. Paper Plate Spider Image: Pinterest Create a spooky spider using a paper plate, pipe cleaners, and your imagination! Paint the plate black for the body,…

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Is your playgroup ready for its Annual General Meeting?

It’s that time of year when many incorporated playgroups are planning their Annual General Meeting (AGM). Of course for smaller groups it’s still a good idea to have an end of year meeting to finish the year and to prepare and plan for the next 12 months! Our Playgroup WA…

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Mental Health Week Blog

Playgroup and your mental health

During Mental Health Week and World Mental Health Day, we reflect on mental health and how playgroups support this. Going to playgroup helps to support mental health by making social connections for both parents and children, and experiencing the joy and stimulation of play, whilst also being involved in a…

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Early Literacy TILE

Best Activities to Playfully Encourage Pre-Writing Skills 

Pre-writing skills are fundamental in developing the ability to write. Handwriting is a skill that is developed over time. To master handwriting children need to combine fine motor skills, language, memory and concentration. Acquiring these skills will contribute to your child’s ability to hold and use a pencil, write, draw…

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Top Tips for Reading at Playgroup

Sharing books and stories with babies and small children at playgroup can be both pleasurable and educational. Stories extend a child's knowledge and understanding of their world and can challenge their imagination, extend their vocabulary and help develop listening and perception skills. There are wonderful stories that can help children…

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Oral Language Development

Best Activities to Playfully Encourage Oral Language Development 

 Language and communication skills include the ability to understand others and express oneself using words, gestures or facial expressions.   Language development is most prolific during the first years of life as children’s brains are developing rapidly. This is an important time to expose children to learning new words as often…

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Easy Homemade Playdough Recipe

Who doesn't love playdough? Making playdough together is an activity in itself - your child will enjoy mixing and squishing to make the dough! Kids of all ages have fun getting involved to make it and it's a great activity to do at home or at playgroup. Playgroup WA's quick…

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Managing Emotions

Managing your child’s emotions

Managing emotions You've heard it I'm sure, "Oh that's such a first-world problem," when there are bills to pay and big world issues around us, emotional and social wellbeing might sound petty. But as it turns out, emotions shape our health and happiness. Recent research with over 150 thousand individuals from 142 countries showed that emotions impact health and life expectancy all around the globe, rich and poor*.   But…

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Encouraging early literacy for little ones

Encouraging early literacy (pre-reading and pre-writing) skills can be developed through every day experiences and play. Being able to recite the alphabet or write their name doesn't always mean a child will be able to pick up these skills quickly at school, pre-primary or even kindergarten. IN fact, a lot…

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Christmas Craft Ideas

Christmas is a wonderful time of the year - and with it comes lots of festive inspired crafts to do at playgroup or at home! We have listed some of our favourite Christmas themed activities for you and best of all, they are all simple and easy to do. Christmas…

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Favourite Toys Blog

Our Favourite Toys for Little Ones

Toys are a great way to get your children to engage in play and there are some great toys that give endless play opportunities for your child. The best toys for children spark their imagination by encouraging open ended play as well as providing valuable learning opportunities. Most of all,…

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3 Signs Your Child Needs Their Hearing Checked

Ear problems, or lack of attention? 3 signs your child needs their hearing checked You might think they’re not listening. But if a child is not paying attention to you or you have to call them several times before they respond, is this behaviour selective hearing or a sign they…

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Car travel with your family

With school holidays here we know a lot of families will take the opportunity to pack up the car and head off for a well deserved family break. It's timely then to give some thought to travelling safely in the car with young children; especially when planning for trips. Ensuring…

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Starting Conversations: Raising Awareness of Anxiety and Perinatal and Post Natal Depression

The pressures of modern life can mean new mums and dads have unrealistic ideas about parenthood. Having a baby can be hugely challenging and adjusting to your new roles can take time. Having a good understanding of what to expect and how you might cope when baby comes home will…

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Road Safety Blog

Pedestrian Safety

Did you know? Research has shown that young children can easily learn road drills or rules but may not use them in dangerous situations or simply recite them without understanding them. Smart Steps Hint… Increase your child's road safety skills and understanding by doing some practical road-side training with them,…

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Playgroup Volunteers

Many playgroups often enlist the help of volunteers to help out with their playgroup. What is the difference between a volunteer and a member? A member is a parent or carer with a child currently attending the playgroup. A volunteer is a person who doesn't have children attending the playgroup…

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Make Your Own Book

Did you know that you can easily make your very own book from a single piece of paper? Watch the quick video below or follow the instructions! Video: How to Make Your Own Book             Instructions 1. Grab your sheet of paper and fold it…

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How To Recruit Committee Members for Your Playgroup

Recruiting committee members   Are you looking at recruiting members for your playgroup committee? Read some of our tips below to help with getting members to join! Provide clear information about the jobs and tasks involved including how much of their free time will be required. You will find most members will…

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Encouraging outdoor play in winter

Being outdoors comes with many benefits and opportunities for exploration and learning. But what about heading outside during these colder months? While it might feel like those rainy days restrict us from enjoying outdoor play, the truth is there are so many great benefits from popping on your boots, dressing…

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9 Winter Activities to do at Playgroup

The colder months are here and sometimes this can present a challenge to keep kids entertained at playgroup. But don't let the rain stop you from having fun - we've written some fun ideas to do with the kids at playgroup (and at home!). 1. Hold a disco Dancing promotes…

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Hands are for holding!

Our children can be encouraged to be safe pedestrians from very early on. And one of the simplest ways to start is by asking your child to hold hands. It’s an easy concept for them to understand and one you should start practising the moment they start walking. Try and…

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Following your child’s lead through play

Child led play is about letting children play freely, without direction or intervention. It is about allowing children to choose what to play, what they’ll play with, with whom they will play and what the rules are. Children are play experts. They learn so much through play in their early…

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Celebrating Families Week

Celebrate National Families Week with these fun activities! National Families Week (held between 15 - 21 May) is a wonderful time to celebrate the importance of family in our life and our community. The aim of the Week is to celebrate the vital role that families play in Australian society.…

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Mothers Day Activity – Handprint Flowers

We love this Mothers Day idea as it is a fun activity which all the little ones can take part in. What you'll need... - butcher paper or card - finger paints (assortment of colours) - paint brushes or trays to pour paint into   What you'll do... 1. Start…

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Play ideas for the school holidays

With most playgroups on break over the school holidays, we know that sometimes getting inspiration for play ideas to do at home can be tough. Activities don't need to be overly complicated and you'll be surprised how engaged kids will get with even the simplest of play ideas. Playgroup WA…

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Cooking Activity: 2 ingredient dough

This recipe is so simple and perfect for little hands to help with! And with only two ingredients it's an easy introduction into cooking with your little one. And once the dough is made the options of what you do with it are endless - you can make pizza, scrolls,…

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Using a Safety Door in your car

Do you have a Safety Door in your car? Getting into and out of cars safely can sometimes be a problem with little ones. This is where a safety door comes in handy – a safety door is one that is closest to the footpath and is the safest door…

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Easy Ways To Create A Sensory Environment For Children

Ever noticed how children use their senses to engage with the world from a really young age? When they have rich sensory experiences whether at a playgroup, at home, in the park or anywhere else, it boosts their brain development. Research has found that children learn by interacting, practising and…

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Welcoming new members

Do you remember when you joined playgroup for the first time? What were the things that made you feel welcomed? People seek out to join a playgroup for numerous reasons and visiting a playgroup can be a daunting feeling for some - remember, this person is stepping out of their…

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Getting On A Bike: Simple Safety Tips for Little Ones

With Christmas having just been we’re sure that a lot of lucky kids receive shiny new wheels from Santa! And with the weather as lovely as it is, we’re also sure a lot of kids will be begging to head outside for a spin. Bikes are lots of fun for…

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Making mum friends

Mum friends. We need these people - but wow, it's HARD. And I mean, trying to find the time to shower with a newborn hard. Think about it, friends are something that we've acquired through various social opportunities throughout our lives: our parents/carers may have taken us along to socialise…

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Summer play ideas for your playgroup

Now that the weather is warm and sunny, are you looking for some summer play ideas? Is your playgroup a mixture of ages with babies, toddlers and older siblings? If it is, then you know as summer takes hold keeping everyone happy indoors can be a challenge. So if you’re…

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End of year: graduation ideas

This time of year is certainly wonderful; there's a special magic in the air! The end of the year often sees us reflecting on the last twelve months while looking onwards to the possibilities a whole new year promises. This also means that for some of our wonderful friends, it…

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The Top 8 Trampoline Benefits for Kids!

We all know trampolining is fun. It’s hard to keep a huge smile from spreading as you jump around in a state of childlike fun. But did you know there are also some serious health benefits you can gain from regular trampoline-based activities? And there are plenty of mental benefits…

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7 Tips for Enjoying Your Holidays with the Little Ones

Do you often find yourself dreaming of a relaxing family holiday? Well you’re in luck –and it’s not the laughable fantasy you might think. The following tips will provide you with helpful suggestions and ideas to ensure that everyone in your family will be talking about their holiday for years…

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Advertorial: Safety Tips For You & Your Baby These Holidays

The holidays are fast approaching and we're betting you're already shopping up a storm for your little ones! While there is nothing like watching children's faces light up as they open their presents, please remember that with toys and games comes risks.  Clutter is actually a safety hazard. Children can…

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Halloween Craft Idea – Spooky Ghost

I don't know about you, but I really love Halloween. And since having children I enjoy it even more. With Halloween comes lots of creative themed fun for the little ones - here is a very simple and easy idea of a craft activity that you can enjoy with your…

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Parenthood & Taking Time for Yourself – It’s Really Important

Caring for yourself during a pregnancy and those first few months of parenthood is really important. Sometimes, you need to take time to do things just for you. Use your 'time-out' to do something you enjoy and help to keep things in perspective. Next time you need some 'me' time…

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Ways to share the playgroup workload

From time to time sharing the workload among playgroup families can cause concern and at times result in drama if not dealt with promptly. Your playgroup may have an issue with sharing the workload if any of the following happen: Have you ever complained (or heard someone else in your…

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Are we raising confident children?

Today’s world is different. The 24-hour news cycle is king, and Google has made us all detectives and researchers. Anytime we want to know something, good or bad, the answer is at our fingertips. But with the hubbub of information – and misinformation – constantly swirling, is it any wonder…

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The Benefits of Attending Playgroup

Playgroups benefit children, families and the wider community. While it is true children can play anywhere, playgroup has an added benefit of providing opportunities for playing with other children and practising important social skills. Importantly, playgroup also provides the opportunity where parents and children can play together, which is critical…

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Get your playgroup running smoothly

Rekindle your passion for running your playgroup with these helpful hints and handy tips to get people involved. If you want to keep your playgroup on track the best place to start is with the committee looking at what jobs or tasks need to get done. These might include: Tasks relating to…

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Intergenerational Playgroups celebrate all ages!

Playgroup WA has been supporting intergenerational play opportunities across the state for more than 10 years and we want more people to join in the fun! “Bringing people from different generations together fosters understanding and builds respect between generations,” said Playgroup WA Development Officer Alicia Harlow – a proud supporter…

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Making everyone feel welcome at playgroup

Playgroups, by their very nature bring all kinds of people together: mothers, fathers, family day care workers, grandparents, nannies, young parents, older parents, parents who work outside the home, parents who are full time at home with their children, same sex parents, single parents. Anyone caring for children 0-5 years…

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Painting ideas to stretch your imagination

If you’re looking for fun ways to entertain children at playgroup (or home) look no further - painting is a great activity with so many physical and emotional benefits. But most of us shy away from it because of the great potential for MESS! If you have the heart to…

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St John WA: Why Parents Need First Aid Skills

Medical emergencies can strike at any time, especially for parents with young children. In these instances, a cool head and preparedness are necessary to prevail. Children are naturally inquisitive. It’s not uncommon for them to experience burns, scalds, cuts, bruises and choking in a household setting. Burns and scalds Hot…

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Top 5 Tips for Nursing a Sick Child at Home

This week I was stuck on the couch with a sick child. Nothing worse than nursing a little one who feels miserable but between cuddles and tummy rubs I had some time to come up with a top 5 list to help families soldier on with an unwell child. Stick…

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Top 5 Tips for Getting Kids Involved With Housework

Kids and housework don’t always go together. BUT here are my top 5 tips for getting little ones  involved in keeping things neat and tidy at home! Start Young Toddlers and small children are itching to help out with housework and are really happy when they are invited to ‘to…

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Embracing winter at playgroup

It’s that time of the year again when bugs, coughs and colds start making life miserable! So if your little one is unwell it’s best that you stay with them at home until they’ve recovered but what about those in between days? Should a cough or a sniffle keep you…

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Stay Allergy Aware at Playgroup

Is your playgroup allergy aware? Allergy awareness has always been a hot topic; many babies and young children have a recognised, potentially life-threatening allergy – think nuts, eggs, wheat or dairy as well as fruit, soy and seafood – which can make the first few years tough for both baby…

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The value of joining a Playgroup Committee

Have you ever considered joining a playgroup committee? Most playgroups have a group of people dedicated to helping things run smoothly and  I call it ‘a gathering of saints’ because these people do jobs that no-one else wants to do or think they’re capable of … However, those on the ‘committee’…

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Snacks

Snacks on the Run

Have you heard the reports in the news? There's a massive war on waste at the  moment and one way to combat this is to plan snacks before you leave the house. But have you seen those recipe books for children's snacks which are so complicated and fiddly you'd be…

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Channel 9 Spends Time With Our Grandparent’s Playgroup

Playgroup WA provided a wonderfully, colourful backdrop to Channel 9's morning weather updates on Monday 22 May. The news service crossed  four times to Playgroup WA's North Perth Community Room to check in on the Grandparent's Playgroup which meets weekly at the venue. All of the grandparents were excited to …

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Road and Pedestrian Safety Tips for Families

It is never too early to teach pedestrian and road safety to young children. Here are some ideas: Infants and Babies Ensure you put them into their car seat restraint each and every time. Have it properly checked by a qualified Child Restraint Fitters.  You can locate your nearest Child…

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How I found my ‘village’ at playgroup

A recent article was published on MamaMia detailing one mum's first visit to playgroup (read the full article here) and we thought it was timely to re-publish the following piece from one of our playgroup member's who recently moved to a new regional community and the importance of finding your…

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Autism Awareness & Support Grows

It’s Autism Awareness Month and there are many wonderful events and activities planned across Australia. Thanks to these promotional campaigns awareness surrounding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is growing and conversations surrounding ASD are much easier. Did you know? Playgroup WA operates PlayConnect Playgroups in four WA locations to support families…

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Welcoming a family with an adult or child with a disability to playgroup

My cousin has a disability. My friend’s daughter has Rett Syndrome. My neighbour’s son has been recently diagnosed with a debilitating degenerative condition. You would have to look pretty hard to find someone who isn’t related to, or know of, someone affected by a disability or diagnosis. So it’s a…

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Making Your Own Toys

Sometimes it's easy to forget that play can be cheap or even free! So many of us get caught up the marketing hype and think ‘shop’ toys will make our kids happier. And nurture their development. But there are lots of cheap activities using recycled materials and some imagination. You…

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Top Tips For Dad – Easy Ways To Be More Involved @ Home and Playgroup

Lately I've been thinking about all of the wonderful things my husband - or 'dad - does with, and for, the kids. Top Tips For Dad And at the top of my list is his playfulness – his ability to ‘show and do’ rather than ‘teach’. Dad knows how to…

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Planning a birthday party soon?

If you're planning a kids party- this blog is for you! Before you reach for the pain relief pills, take a deep breath and mentally psyche yourself up because there are some easy ways to celebrate without breaking the bank or losing your mind! For some, the best idea is…

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Playgroups help support emotional health

Playgroups help to support emotional health

Did you know playgroups can help with emotional health during early parenthood? According to the national depression initiative beyondblue, Post Natal Depression (PND) is quite common and affects up to one in seven Mothers. Mums and dads with a new baby are being encouraged to talk more openly about mental…

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Ten Cool Tips for a Long Hot Summer

Keep cool – there are many ways to keep cool this Summer! In addition to drinking lots of water, squirty bottles are great fun and excellent for building hand strength and gripping skills - helpful when children eventually learn to hold a pencil and write. Other ways to keep cool…

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Moving On From Playgroup to Big School

While there are only 8 Saturdays left until Christmas, thousands of parents across WA are pre-occupied by another ticking time bomb … the count down to kindy 2017. Whether it’s your first born, middle child or baby enjoying their last few weeks at playgroup before they head off to big…

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Working PArent Blog

The Life of a Working Parent

Being a parent is role I love but one fraught with challenges. However, on an average day, being a parent is what I live for. And I know ‘parents’ come in all different shapes and sizes. The Working Parent One I want to touch on now is the Working Parent…

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Fun ideas for a playgroup tea party

Winter is officially behind us BUT we all know the cold days will probably stick around for another few weeks. If you’re looking for something to do at playgroup while awaiting the warmer weather – hosting a tea party can be a fun way to socialise and a great excuse…

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Playgroups help support emotional health

Parenthood is Unbelievable

I only need one word to sum up my life as a parent - unbelievable. Yes, this one word says it all. And if you were to think about it, I bet, you would agree with me! You see, whether it's a good or bad day - things never really…

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Lotterywest helps Wembley Playgroup families get back to nature

The families at Wembley Playgroup are getting back to nature thanks to a recent Lotterywest grant. The group’s new outdoor nature playground was completed last week – just in time for spring! Thanks to Lotterywest Wembley Playgroup’s President Eliza Maroni thanked Lotterywest for its generous support. “We were fortunate to…

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New parents and sleep – what is it and how to get more?

The lovely people at Raising Children Network just sent me an email with links to an article on the new parent’s need for sleep. Thanks for rubbing it in. If sleep were currency I would be broke. I don’t think I’ve slept a full 8 hours since I became a…

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Playgroup can wear many hats – one mum’s story

Our playgroup is back in full swing after the recent two-week term break and everyone is happy to have the weekly opportunity to catch up! I find our playgroup is a great place for parents to swap stories (adult interaction is one of its top selling points!) and because our…

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Why Do Socks Cause So Much Trouble?

This little gem of a 'meme' popped up on my Facebook feed the other day making me laugh and grimace at the same time! Most parents will understand the pain that is sock wrangling a baby or toddler but I'm here to tell you it gets worse as they get…

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Top 5 Animal Ideas for Making African Drums at Playgroup

There are loads of safari-themed activities you can enjoy at home or at playgroup but one of my favourites is African Drums! First ask the children to decorate an A4 sheet of paper using one of the following themes: Elephant: crumpled paper painted grey Zebra: black stripes painted on white…

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Top 5 ideas for home-made musical instruments

When it’s too cold or wet to head outside my little ones like to get noisy and we often find ourselves turning the kitchen cupboards inside out for an impromptu music session! Here are my top 5 ideas for home-made musical instruments: Noise maker: Glue a bell to a cotton…

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Friend Had A Baby? Top 5 Meals That Freeze Well

If you’ve got a friend who’s just had a baby, I recommend ditching the toys and baby outfits in favour of a basket full of home-made meals that can be easily frozen and re-heated. Trust me it’s the gift that keeps on giving and your friend will love you forever…

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Why I Gave Up Open-Ended Play Experiences

Like parenting, there are so many different styles of learning in the early childhood world. It can be confusing and time sapping to try and figure out what works for you and most importantly what works for your children. As an educator working in Family Day Care, I believed in…

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Screen Time for Under 5s On The Rise

Get ready for our Screen Free Challenge Playgroup WA is joining Kinderling Radio to promote an Australian-wide Screen Free Challenge! Watch out for more information in the coming weeks - families can sign-up to take part in the challenge and receive practical help and information on ways to monitor and limit…

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Everyone loves dressing-up!

When it’s cold outside it’s easy to get grumpy and forget what fun can be had indoors! One of my favourites is dress ups – and loads of new looks can be made from discarded materials you’ll likely have at home or stored at playgroup. Ask your playgroup families collect…

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Grandparents and playgroups are a wonderful mix!

Did you hear the beautiful playgroup grandparent who spoke on ABC Radio in July about the benefits of attending playgroup with her grandchildren? It was a wonderfully eloquent piece that really drilled down the importance of play for both child and adult and reinforced the need for social networks for…

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The Tooth Fairy Has Some Stiff Competition

Here’s a weird fact, while masquerading as the Tooth Fairy my husband has kept all of our kids’ baby teeth. And we have three kids – so that’s a lot of teeth. These ‘stolen’ teeth sit in a container on a high shelf in our room which every now and…

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Handy tips for your mid-year playgroup busy bee

It has only just hit me that we're now in June  and on the fast track to Christmas and New Year! Pass me the paper bag I'm feeling light-headed... Where did the first half of the year go? At this time of year, many playgroups are probably planning a mid-year…

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Finding The Right Fit at Playgroup

Finding a playgroup that suits both you and your child need not be difficult as Tamara Hunter explains. If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again: it’s a mantra we’re taught as children but one we can sometimes forget as adults. In the case of playgroup, it’s a mantra…

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Let them be bored

I remember being little and experiencing a range of emotions and sensations. I was happy when my cat snuggled on my lap and sad when I left my grandparents' house. I was excited when I went with mum to pick up my older siblings from school and scared when I…

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Organising a playgroup outing

Does your playgroup love an outing? Do you organise walks to the local park, post office or library? Maybe you’ve set your sites higher and organised a Zoo visit or a trip to a park in another suburb or town? If you have gone further afield – leave some tips…

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Creating a hunger for healthy foods

Well it’s no surprise that healthy eating need some help in the PR department. When new parents hit the shops they are usually time poor and distracted by a baby (or two) and let’s not get started on the shopping list left idling on the bench at home … Who…

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Getting into Good Play Habits

If you are reading these few words you are most likely interested in play. You have probably looked at some of the play resources on our website and you might already know how important play is to healthy child development. Most research actually suggests that parents understand that play is…

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Take time to play

By now many of you will have seen the new play ideas on our Facebook page and website and hopefully had a chance to try some out. Some of you may be asking what all the fuss is about. You may be happily spending lots of time down on the floor…

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Handy tips to keep you safe when cycling

With the cooler autumn weather our kids will be itching to get outside and play. This will no doubt include the all-time favourite; riding a bike. Bikes are great for fitness and fun but what can you do to ensure your children are safe when riding? First, explore your suburb…

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10 easy-to-follow playgroup guides

The following information was published in a playgroup newsletter almost 20 years ago and we think it is just as relevant and useful today as it was then! We hope you enjoy this ‘blast from the past’ - we certainly did Nominate a welcoming party. No not rent-a-crowd but a…

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From “only” child to “oldest”

Baby number two is on the way so what does it mean for you and your first-born? Suzi Francis explores Bringing home your first baby no doubt brought forth mixed emotions of excitement, wonder and a fair bit of uncertainty. Fear of the unknown, mostly overshadowed by blissful ignorance at what lay…

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Helmet safety: Keeping head injuries at bay

Most cycling and scooting injuries don’t involve another vehicle, but occur when children fall off their bike or scooter after crashing into a pole, curb or fence. In fact, head injuries are the main cause of death and disability to cyclists. It is the law in WA to wear a…

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