Tieri Possums Playgroup – The Importance of Play

Tieri Possums Playgroup is held at Tieri Library on Mondays from 9am – 11am. Their aim is to help children learn and grow through playing – one of the key elements in early childhood development.

With two new facilitators joining the team recently, we caught up with them for a chat…

What role does ‘play’ have in a child’s development?

Play is integral to a child’s development. It is through play that children explore and learn about the world around them. It also helps to improve their sense of imagination, discovery and creativity. Play allows children to build resilience and learn problem solving skills, which in turn, helps with their emotional regulation. “Play is the work of childhood.” (Jean Piaget, 1896-1980).

How does attending a playgroup benefit a child?

The enrichment and stimulation that a playgroup provides for a child is beneficial to their holistic development – socially, cognitively and physically.

Playgroups provide an opportunity for children to explore their world, playing and learning in a supportive and safe environment, which fosters their natural sense of wonder and curiosity.

Playgroups provide an environment for children to practice their social and language skills by interacting with other children.

They also encourage physical activity by providing activities that support the development of children’s gross motor skills.

How does it benefit the child’s carer/family?

By attending a playgroup, parents and carers are able to meet and interact with other adults. It can also provide some inspiration for play experiences at home.

Who runs the Tieri Possums Playgroup?

We have two facilitators who run the play sessions each week: Mikaela Storti and me, Molly Elliott.

How long have each of you been there…where were you before TPP?

I’ve lived in Tieri for a little over 18 months, after moving here from Mackay. I used to work as a lawyer, then I had my children (aged 3 and 1) and now I’m enjoying raising them full-time. In a previous life, I worked as a dance teacher. I’ve always been passionate about the role of music and movement in early childhood and beyond.

Mikaela has been in Tieri for six months and prior to that, grew up and lived in Mackay her whole life. Before becoming a Mum, Mikaela worked as a Primary School Teacher and also holds a Diploma of Early Childhood Education.

What do you love about working with children and encouraging them to play?

As we are both Mums, we appreciate the importance of playgroups to help nurture a child’s natural desire to learn through play-based experiences. We love providing new experiences which encourage children to take risks and learn new skills. It really is incredible to witness the sense of joy that comes from a child when they learn something new.

You hold the playgroup sessions at the Library, what’s the space like?

Tieri Library is a beautiful play space, with an enclosed grassed area outside, including a playground and sandpit. We are incredibly fortunate to have such a lovely library space in our small town.  Tieri Possums Playgroup also owns a range of toys and play items, which are stored in a shed at the library.  If a child has a particular interest, we encourage caregivers to let us know, as we may have toys or activities to further encourage their curiosity.

How many children can attend the playgroup?

There are no limits on the number of children that can attend – the more the merrier! We currently have a small group of regular attendees, however we would love to meet more families!

What age range is the playgroup suitable for?

Our playgroup is for children aged 0 to 5 years, and for their caregivers.

Being a mining town, lots of families are on a 7/7 roster, and we would love to encourage more fathers, grandparents and other caregivers to attend with their children.

Do children need to be enrolled or can they drop in?

Caregivers can just drop in with their child/ren. We keep a register of attendees.

For insurance purposes, we require everyone that attends to become a member of Play Matters Australia (our umbrella organisation). It’s free to join, and quick and easy to do. Most people simply sign up when they first attend, and we can help with that. If anyone wishes to have a look prior to attending, they can do so here: https://playmatters.org.au/membership/play-pass.

How much does it cost to attend?

The first two sessions are FREE and thereafter we ask for a small, $2 donation per family. This donation goes towards purchasing resources, such as craft supplies.

What does a typical playgroup session involve?

We always have some regular activities set up, such as trikes and cars, a mud kitchen and shovels for digging in the sand, and then we also have a theme or special activity for the week. So far this year we have done Easter crafts, farmyard animals, made “fairy soup”, and explored musical instruments.

Children are encouraged to play freely, get messy, and explore whatever sparks their interest.  Our activities are set up outside on the grass, however if it is raining, we can always head inside the library.

All that playing makes little ones hungry, so the children snack as they need and we have a large picnic mat for everyone to sit down on, which is a lovely space for caregivers to catch up and share stories and tips, such as a good recipe!

Towards the end of the session, we ask all caregivers (and kids, if they are old enough!) to help us pack up the activities and toys.

What are the most popular activities?

Anything that involves getting a bit messy…or wet, especially during the warmer months!

What involvement do parents/carers have during the session?

There’s no formal structure, we simply encourage caregivers to play alongside their kid/s based on their own child’s developmental and emotional needs.

Any advice or tips for caregivers on how to get the most out of a playgroup?

Join in the play! Immerse yourself in the play opportunities and talk/play to your child to build their language and vocabulary.

If you need any more information, check out the Play Matters Australia website, which contains lots of useful ideas and tips: https://playmatters.org.au/

Do you have any upcoming (between now and September 2023) events or activities or promotions that you would like to promote?

Join our Tieri Possums Playgroup Facebook group to find out the theme for the week and see what’s on.

Some special events we have coming up include:

• Monday, 10th July – Teddy Bear’s Picnic
• Monday, 21st August – Book Week celebrations where we encourage children to come dressed as their favourite book character
• Monday, 28th August – Father’s Day craft and a morning tea

Do you have a website? How about a social media page?

We have a Facebook page – Tieri Possums Playgroup.

Who should people contact if they would like more information or to have a chat?

Give me, Molly, a call on 0488 032 720 – I’d love to hear from you