Celebrating National Playgroup Week
National Playgroup Week is 17th-23rd March this year and is all about celebrating and promoting the benefits of playgroups for children, families and communities.
You can read our blog article here: Benefits of playgroup for children - what playgroup members have told us
You can watch our video on the Spirit of Playgroup here: https://youtu.be/FQT3xzGbJHk
The following are some ideas of how you can celebrate the wonders of playgroup at your sessions this week!
Messy Play Monday
Celebrate playgroup with one of the all-time favourites — messy play! Playgroup is the perfect place for slime, oobleck, mud play and more. It’s messy fun for little ones and easier to clean up with extra hands around! Sensory play is great for babies and toddlers, helping them explore the world through touch, smell and even taste
Together Time Tuesday
Playgroup is special because families play together. It’s a chance to bond with your child while also connecting with other families in your community. Celebrate playgroup week with activities that bring everyone together — like music, dancing, or games. Playing, singing and creating together helps little ones socialise, develop language skills and build confidence
Water Play Wednesday
Playgroup offers so many fun and creative activities you might not always set up at home — like water play! Water play is perfect for warm weather and fun for all ages. Playgroups provide a safe and stimulating environment where children can build school readiness skills, develop confidence, and learn through play with friends. Water play helps little ones explore early science and maths concepts
Turn Taking Thursday
Playgroup helps little ones learn important social skills — like sharing, turn-taking and working things out with friends. It’s especially great for first-borns and only children to practice these skills in a relaxed, playful setting. Try games and activities that encourage turn-taking to help build patience, cooperation and confidence
- Sharing books
- Ball games
- Hide & seek
- 'My turn, your turn' singalongs or story time
Friendship Friday
Playgroup is where lifelong friendships begin — for little ones and parents. It’s a place to play, connect and grow together. Celebrate the friendships formed at playgroup this week with activities that celebrate connection and the bonds that are formed
- Friendship wreath
- Friendship bracelets using coloured pasta
- Playgroup dance party
- Thank you tree or memory wall - this can be photos or messages of 'why we love playgroup'
- Friendship banner - decorate a banner with painted hand/footprints or drawings