Little Explorers playgroup is a new venture at St Mary’s Primary School, Moruya. The playgroup provides an opportunity for parents and carers to connect and for children to engage in play-based learning activities.

Nature is at the heart of the program, helping young children to develop care and concern for the natural world. Many of the activities are literacy and numeracy-based, preparing children for Kindergarten.

The playgroup was initiated by St Mary’s Principal, Noeleen O’Neill who implemented a similar program at her previous school, St Joseph’s Primary School, Bombala. “We experienced great success with our playgroup at Bombala and I saw scope for a similar program at St Mary’s,” said Noeleen. “It has been a wonderful addition to our school so far.”

The Little Explorers program is run each week by Kindergarten teacher, Alicia Hampson and Year 3 teacher, Genevieve Schofield. Both are teachers who hold a passion for nature-based learning.

“Nature play is a platform for child led play,’ said Genevieve. “We include nature-based provocations to spark the children’s curiosity about the world around them. It is a lovely morning of learning through play.”

Little Explorers has only been running since the beginning of Term 3 but is already well attended by families with older children enrolled at the school, as well as many new faces.

“The reception from parents and carers has been very positive,” said Alicia. “We have a lot of fun planning the activities and provocations each week. The possibilities are endless and the connection with our community is wonderful.”

“We are really looking forward to getting outside more during the warmer months and enjoying lots of water play,” said Genevieve. 

Little Explorers playgroup runs every Wednesday from 9.30am - 11.30am. Children aged 0-5 years are welcome to attend, accompanied by their parents or carers.