Zoe Moffatt
Sunbury celebrated national playgroup week on Wednesday, March 22 with activities for children and families.
Hume council invited families to Galaxy Land Park to celebrate with Playgroup Victoria.
The event focused on arts and crafts activities that children and parents could do together, while socialising with other families.
Chief executive of Playgroup Victoria Danny Schwarz said these events are important for children’s social, emotional and physical development.
“The developmental importance is that up until when children are five their brains are 90 per cent formed,” Mr Schwarz said.
“The neurodevelopment doesn’t happen in the same way when they aren’t [getting in play time].
“Play is children’s work.”
Mr Schwarz said playtime had become even more important following the COVID-19 lockdowns.
“The reason it is more important is because the things that would have usually happened, didn’t happen in COVID.
“There will be lots of issues over the next generation that will present themselves based on the fact that children have missed out because they weren’t out there with others.”
A spokesperson for the not-for-profit Play Matters Australia, agreed with Mr Schwarz that play is an essential part of every child’s life.
Charity spokesperson Julia Oreopoulos said learning through play is different to being taught.
“Play can shape cognitive, emotional, and social development,” she said.
“It helps children fine-tune their motor skills, problem-solving and hand-eye coordination, develop their language and social skills, and enhance their physical and emotional wellbeing.”
To celebrate National Playgroup Week, Play Matters Australia opened up 50 grants, worth $500 each to celebrate the charity turning 50 years old.
Ms Oreopoulos said she encouraged all local playgroups to apply for the grant, with applications closing Monday, April 24.
Details: playmatters.org.au/50-grants
