CPS Joins in Children’s Week Activities at the Mall

CPS was one of the popular stalls at Banyule Council’s Children’s Week Celebrations in the Mall West Heidelberg.

Children and parents delighted in a range of activities from various community groups and organisations including the animal farm, playing with interactive toys, entertainment, sausage sizzles, meeting our local police and firemen, jumping and climbing.

Painting, chalk drawing and playing with clay attracted young and old to our stall giving parents the opportunity to engage fully with their children through creative activities designed to engage the senses and express their creativity.

One toddler did not want to leave our stall until she had tried everything and so she did! “Children gain enormous benefits from engaging in play activities. Through play children learn the skills necessary to effectively participate in their world,” said Ms Karen Dalley Family Services Worker at CPS. “It allows them to use their creativity while developing their imagination, dexterity and cognitive, physical, social and emotional well-being.” Play is important to healthy brain development. ‘Play operates across a variety of boundaries, particularly emotional, and is always family and relationship-oriented. It is also strongly related to cognitive development and mastery’ (Schmindt-Neven, R. 2003 p.111 – ACER)

Above all play is a fun and a simple joy to be encouraged and enjoyed by all children.