Category: Education

Playgroups in Darwin, Palmerston and the surrounds

playgroup

A Playgroup is a relaxed sessions where parents, caregivers and children can play, learn and socialise in a fun environment. There are many different types of playgroups available which are listed below. Playgroups are a service for children and babies generally between the ages of 0-5 years and play an important role in getting children ready for school. Playgroups are a great way to socialise with your baby and child and meet other parents.

Playgroups are a great way to make sure that babies and children are developing across all their areas, with strong social, language and motor skills, and that parents and caregivers have the support and networks for their family. This is important in Darwin where a lot of family do not have their extended family support here. We have rounded up some great playgroups available in Darwin, Northern Suburbs, Palmerston and the Rural area.

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Story times at Darwin Libraries

story times at Darwin libraries

Story times at Darwin libraries happen all year round or during school terms depending on the program. It is never to early to get your baby and child enjoying songs, nursery rhymes and stories. I remember reading to my babies at bedtimes every night.

Darwin has four libraries and all the children’s story times at Darwin libraries details are below.

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Sensory Play ideas for young kids

There are literally endless sensory play ideas for young kids, many using every day items in your home and pantry. Only limit is your imagination. All types of play are essential for children’s development and early learning. In the first five years of life, your child’s brain develops more and faster than at any other time in their life. Messy or Sensory play is important for young kids as it gives them endless opportunities to develop and learn through their play. Some parents don’t like messy play as kids and things of course get messy. But I encourage you to utilise your outside space and just have your child in their underwear or nappy to limit the cleaning required. We have rounded up our top 12 sensory play ideas for you to try at home with your little ones.

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Online educational resources for school kids

online educational resources

The world is in a bit of a crazy place right now with the Corona Virus pandemic and while we try and keep some normalcy for our kids we do need to plan ahead. The upcoming Easter break and school holidays will not be the same. So many events are being cancelled or postponed left, right and centre. Easter break is Good Friday the 10th of April through to Easter Monday on 13th April. School holidays begin 14th April until Sunday 19th April. Students will resume on Monday 20th April (at this stage providing schools remain open. Private and Independent school holidays may be slightly different – please check with your school).

To keep up to date with the latest on the Corona Virus situation and whether schools and day cares are effected please check SecureNT on Facebook and the NT Government Corona Virus website here

To help parents entertain their kids at home during this time we have prepared a great list of online educational resources available.

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Child myopia: What you need to know so your kids have the best possible vision for life

Child myopia

As we get older, we expect that our eyesight could start to decline, but what if your child was diagnosed with a vision problem?

Myopia, sometimes known as short-sightedness or near-sightedness, is a common condition that causes blurred distance vision.  It usually starts during childhood and typically progresses until the child stops growing.

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Blooming Tunes – Music and Movement for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers and the grownups that love them!

Blooming tunes

When you first meet Zoe from Blooming Tunes you will immediately feel her warmth, energy and friendly personality. She will draw you and your little ones into an amazing musical world with her family music classes. It is hard not to enjoy, bop and sing along with your little one.

I caught up recently with Zoe and chatted about everything Blooming Tunes from the early beginnings to the benefits of Music for children. If you have not been along and had a trial class read on to see how you and your children can get involved and start enjoying Blooming tunes today.

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Our Top 14 Educational Apps for Kids

educational apps for kids

As parents, we often hear about the dangers of giving our children too much screen time. And with smartphones such a central part of our lives, it’s hard to keep them away from our kids. But did you know that there an amazing range of educational apps for children that mean a little screen time here and then is quite ok? Darwin Family Life has rounded up our list of the best educational apps for children that provide developmental play and entertainment for children, as well as guilt-free time for parents.

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