Planning a playgroup session

Below you’ll find out:

• what a typical community playgroup session run by a Volunteer Playgroup Leader looks like
• trusted sources for playgroup activity ideas
• links to more information
• links to printable checklists and fact sheets

A typical community playgroup session led by a Volunteer Playgroup Leader is:

Fun

When planning activities, make sure you consider the development levels of the children attending and the general interests of the families who attend.

Flexible

While young children – and most adults – like a bit of structure and routine, it is important to not over-plan your session so you can go with the flow of people’s moods and the unpredictable nature of Tasmania’s weather.

Safe

Playgroup Tasmania believes that all children have the right to live safely – emotionally, mentally and physically. Everyone has a role to play in keeping children safe from harm and creating child safe and child friendly environments.

Welcoming

Inclusion is a universal human right. Its aim is to embrace all people regardless of race, gender, ability, religion, medical or other need. It is about giving equal access and opportunities and removing the barriers of discrimination and intolerance.
Inclusion at playgroup recognises that all children and families benefit from play and that playgroups benefit from the different backgrounds and abilities of the children and families taking part.

Most community playgroup sessions run for 1.5 to 2 hours.

Depending on the time of day and playgroup resources, you may want to have some simple snacks on hand (like fruit), as well as tea, coffee and water.

A typical 90-minute session might look like this.

15-30 minutes before the start time

Playgroup Leader and other volunteer helpers arrive to set up activities and make sure the playgroup space is child safe.

The first 15 minutes

Volunteers welcome families as they arrive, asking how they are and letting them know about any special session activities. They also support parents/care givers to complete the playgroup attendance sheet.

Next 45 minutes

Allow lots of time for enjoyment of free play and planned activities.

15 minutes before the session ends

Volunteers check in with families – children and adults – to ask:

• what they’ve enjoyed at today’s session
• what they’d like to do at future sessions
• how they are doing in general.

Everyone is encouraged to help tidy and clean up the playgroup area, put toys or special activities away, clean hands, faces and dishes.

End time

Volunteers say goodbye as families leave, and check that nothing is being left behind.

Immediately after the session

The Volunteer Playgroup Leader:

• collects attendance sheets for passing onto Playgroup Tasmania
• fills out any incident or feedback forms about the session for passing onto Playgroup Tasmania
• phones/texts their Playgroup Tasmania Development Officer to pass on any urgent issues, concerning incidents or to debrief and ask advice.