Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia
Parish-Community Of The Dormition Of The Theotokos
«ΚΟΙΜΗΣIΣ ΤΗΣ ΘΕΟΤΟΚΟΥ»
PANAGIA'S PLAYGROUP IT’S FREE AND IT’S FUN AND IT’S ON FOR YOUNG AND OLD! When: Wednesdays 10am – 12pm Playgroup Co-ordinator: Panagiota Eglezos
The Panagia’s Playgroup is on at the Southside Parish every Wednesday from 10am-12pm during school term. Children learn best through interactive play with other children. Our goal is to encourage free play and socialization for children between 6 months and 5 years old as well as enjoy other interactive activities such music and singing in the Greek language and Art and Craft. Best of all, Mums, Dads and grandparents get together and socialise whilst their little ones play. Our playgroup day starts with all the toys being brought out for the children to have free play. Whilst doing this they interact with each other, expend all their energy and develop their social skills. Play is the most effective way children learn to co-ordinate their body movements, learn how things work, understand their limits and fulfil their insatiable hunger for discovery. Our environment is very friendly and open. We are all there for the same reason; for our kids to play and develop socially. Spending time playing at home, with grandparents, with siblings and cousins is invaluable, however further socialisation skills are developed and enhanced when children play with new friends and with children of various ages. The boundaries are different, the expectations of behaviour are different and the challenges are different. We encourage play instead of squash it or use punishment to control it because play is what forms a life time of zest for learning, creating, inventing and problem solving. When children are left to their own devices to play together they develop their communication skills by negotiating, self asserting, teamwork, leadership and mutual care. These are life skills and our playgroup is here to support our children flourish. The flow on effect from our children playing is that as a group of parents, we all share our experiences and resources to help us develop our own parenting skills and roles as life coaches and mentors for our children. Many of us are married to partners of non-Greek heritage and are interested in our children having a grasp of the Greek language and an appreciation of all the positive aspects of the Greek culture. We talk about how we go about instilling these values and skills in our children and also discuss challenges that we, as parents face. It’s not all serious discussion though. We have lots of laughs and chit chat too. One thing is evident; we are a group of people who value family, learning, fun and the social development of our children. Panagia’s playgroup is about providing our children with the opportunity and environment to experience the childhood activities they all deserve. We welcome you to join us at Panagia’s Playgroup. No need to book, however if you have any questions feel free to contact Panagiota Eglezos on 0414 809 420, or just turn up, say hello and join in.
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| Greek Orthodox Parish-Community of the Dormition of the Theotokos © 2010. | ||
