Parent and Toddler Group
The parent and toddler group aims to provide a place where parents and children under three and a half can communicate through play, artistic and practical activities and through songs. It seeks to provide a peaceful environment free of pressures, where children can find the time, space and equipment for creative play. This strengthens the imagination and gives them the ability to unfold themselves. Parents might also find some stillness, support or inspiration from each other for everyday parenting. This group is based on the observation that young children learn through imitation and repetition, so use is made of imitation and example rather than instruction and direction. There are no expectations that you oblige your child to join in but that you do so yourself. Sessions have a rhythmic structure and the seasonal songs and stories are repeated for each half term, so children and parents may learn them by heart! Play and craft activities run alongside each other for about fifty minutes. The idea is that if working parents/adults are present, children relax and are stimulated in their play. They become active and learn independently through playing, imitating, following examples set by adults and joining in if they are ready. There will be a different craft activity each week, wherein we will make something for the children, or the home. Natural materials found on walks can be used, such as conkers, pine cones, leaves, etc. You are welcome to bring your own craft project and share it with the group, if you wish! A tidy up song will mark the transition to ‘ring time’, where we gather to listen to a story of a little child; each week following its journey from home to countryside and its encounters on the way with animals and nature. We will sing seasonal songs and nursery rhymes mixed in with the story. After ring time there is time to go outside or to play inside, whilst a snack is being prepared. After sharing food and drink, we will sing our goodbye song. 