The children are encouraged to explore and learn from different materials such as sand, paint, glue, playdough and water.  They may get messy, so please dress your child so that she feels comfortable in some easily washable clothes.  We do provide overalls for messy play.

Confidence comes from being able to do things independently. This includes being ‘toilet trained’. Unfortunately we have no facilities for changing nappies.  However, if you do make all the fasteners simple, she will quickly learn to go to the toilet by herself, or with a little help.  She will also be able to attempt putting on her own coat and shoes etc.

It is important that children learn for themselves at their own pace, so we support and encourage, but try to resist the temptation to be over helpful.

WHAT ARE PLAYGROUP ACTIVITIES?

Painting and Drawing

Children paint freely and choose their colours and are not limited in the number of paintings they do. There are paints and large sheets of paper on the easels. They are not shown how to paint, and at first children may simply wish to cover the paper with colour. When they have had a great deal of experience with that they may begin to paint and draw houses and people.  They should not be urged to reach this stage too quickly.

We have all sorts of materials for drawing; wax crayons, coloured pencils, felt tips, combined with templates to draw round or colour over, and almost endless paper.

Painting is always available at every session. We also experiment with finger painting, marble and ball painting, string painting and bubble painting.

Home Corner

This is an area where we have various domestic props available for the children.  There is child sized furniture, play food and utensils and dressing up clothes. By acting out imaginary situations based on real life, the children can explore and begin to understand their own emotions and have some insight into other people’s feelings and behaviours.

Music

At Playgroup, we offer opportunity to share in the enjoyment of singing, movement, reciting rhymes and finger play.  We also have a range of percussion instruments. Everyday sounds are a vital part of the child’s world and she is encouraged to explore sound, to listen and experiment.

Outdoor Play

Children need the challenging, daring and joy of running, jumping, climbing, balancing, throwing and perhaps catching.  Playgroup tries to provide an environment in which childrens’ physical needs can be fully extended, rather than suppressed. By using the physical play equipment, children not only strengthen their muscles and learn control over their bodies, but also develop the skills of judgement and decision making.

At Highburton, we are extremely lucky to have our own safely enclosed area, where the children can ride tricycles, run, jump and generally enjoy themselves – the possibilities are almost endless.

Information Technology

Playgroup has computer facilities available to the children throughout the session. This helps children become familiar with basic computer skills.  We also have a paint program called "Dazzle" which is aimed at young children. This programme is also used at Highburton First School.

Growing and Living Things

We encourage the children to appreciate other living things. The Playgroup always tries to keep a pet animal. We have a small tub garden which is used throughout the year for various growing activities.

Collage and Junk Sticking

These cutting and gluing activities may be messy, but give children the opportunity to experiment and develop such skills as controlling scissors.  They help children to learn about shapes, textures and colours. The end result may not look much to the adult, but it is the fun and experience that the child has had in creating her ‘masterpiece’ that is really important.

Sand

Our sand tray is always available. Dry sand is very soothing. Wet sand can  be moulded and controlled.  Very wet sand, like mud, can be squeezed and squashed. Some children welcome the opportunity to be messy.

Water

Water is always available. As well as being the first introduction to science, in that it allows children to experiment with measuring and pouring, it can be stimulating, relaxing, or just good fun!

Playdough

We always have playdough available, and it is a very popular activity, being familiar and easy. It can be rolled and shaped, cut out, moulded and stretched. Playing with dough can be a group activity or a solitary one, and we have plenty for children to experiment with. (See our things to make page for a recipe for Playdough).

Books

Books and stories are freely available in the story corner.  Our bookcase enables children to choose their own books freely, and the cushions invite a cosy read, with or without an adult.  Enjoying books will foster the growth of their imagination and develop in them a love of language that will encourage them to want to read themselves later on.

Other Activities

Your child will also have a chance to play with a variety of creative media such as clay, wood, and cardboard. Construction bricks of various sizes are also available.  She will also have the opportunity to enjoy puzzles, threading, magnetic shapes and other table top toys.  She will have the opportunity of playing board games to encourage colour recognition and object matching and counting. She will occasionally have the opportunity for simple cooking.

Children gain skill and understanding through their play and experience, especially when they are able to share their enjoyment with an adult and to talk about their discoveries.  At Playgroup a child is NOT TAUGHT, but LEARNS THROUGH PLAY in her own time and at her own pace.