The Elliot Springs Voice - Summer 2021

In the Spotlight Tami Olsen Elliot Springs Playgroup Coordinator & Special Education Teacher at Wulguru State School Tami Olsen teaches at Wulguru State School and also runs the playgroup which will be visiting Elliot Springs fortnightly in 2022. She is also a mum of two and has a passion for reading and dancing. What sort of activities can parents expect? You can certainly expect to have lots of fun with messy play with the added bonus that clean up isn’t in your own home. Water-play is a definite in the Townsville heat and obstacle course items will be set out for littlies to explore their gross-motor skills. Arts, crafts and paint will be regular activities and we will advertise a theme that activities will link to. Tell us about your teaching background and how this helps support the playgroup program. I am a qualified Primary School Teacher majoring in Special Education. I have recently completed training in the 3a Abcedarian Approach which is focused on birth to 5 years and Language as a Priority. The 3a practices can be embedded into playgroup activities with a play-based approach. For first time playgroup parents, how would you explain why they should give playgroup a go? Playgroup can be a great place to allow your little one to explore and play while you can make new connections with other parents or meet up with friends for a play-date. It’s a flexible program that you can participate in as little or as much as suits your routine around your little one’s naps. Come join the Elliot Springs Playgroup fun It’s free, it’s fun and it allows your little ones to have the type of messy play you don’t want to deal with at home! The Elliot Springs Playgroup will be held Mondays fortnightly at The Hub during school terms from 9am - 11am, but feel free to pop in from 8:30am as they get set up. Suitable for 0-5 years, young ones can enjoy sensory experiences, early learning adventures and make friendships. Parents can enjoy the free morning tea (they are welcome to bring a plate along as well) and the cafe will be open next door for caffeine fixes. The Elliot Springs Playgroup was awarded a community grant which has allowed them to purchase a number of early childhood learning resources, toys and equipment to offer a high quality playgroup experience. If you haven’t tried out playgroup before, it is a great way for new and old-hand parents to connect over the shared experience of early childhood. Remember to BYO hat, water bottles and sunscreen. www.facebook.com/WulguruSS