Professional development

UOW Festival of Play kicks off tomorrow offering abundant opportunities for educators

Freya Lucas

Mar 25, 2022

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The inaugural Early Start Festival of Play comes to the University of Wollongong (UOW) this Saturday, March 26, from 8.30 am – 3.30 pm. The flagship event has been designed for children aged from birth to 10 years, their families and early childhood educators, offering interactive music and dance performances, creative workshops, expert talks on nutrition, movement and emotional regulation, and much more.

It will take place in the Early Start Discovery Space, surrounding gardens and the Early Start building, and offers a number of free activities to engage children and enhance the professional development of educators.

“Play is the most serious business of childhood,” Early Start Research Director Lisa Kervin said. “When children play they explore new ideas, make choices, take risks and work to understand their world.”

Professor Kervin will lead a workshop on the ways to engage children in safe and innovative digital play, one of the many professional development opportunities on offer, along with workshops for educators on topics such as STEM education, bringing maths to life, and exploring why play is important for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Children will have access to music, creative arts and storytelling while parents can grab a coffee and participate in one of the parenting workshops delivered by UOW’s leading experts and researchers in early childhood. Planned as practical, 30-minute sessions, they’ll cover important family-related topics: kids’ self-regulation, digital play, movement, relationships and nutrition.

EVENT DETAILSWhen: Saturday, March 26, from 8.30 am – 3.30 pmWhere: Early Start Discovery Space and surrounds, Building 21, University of Wollongong, Northfields Ave, Wollongong NSW 2522

Entry to all activities is free, and bookings are essential. However, the Family Program of interactive stage entertainment, with magic, music, storytelling and dance, does not require registrations.

You can check the Festival of Play website with the full schedule here. Booking for the Discovery Space, Family Shows, Parent Talks and Educator Workshops can be made here.

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