Joyful Beginnings Playgroup

For many years I have dreamed of creating a playgroup for parents and caregivers to bring their young children - to connect, to learn, to just be. My dream is coming true and I’m excited to share with you now, Joyful Beginnings. 

When you walk into the room, you will see gentle simplicity. Our world is so full of “busyness” that this hour and a half will give you a reprieve from the real world. The children will be encouraged to explore the natural toys and imbue them with their imagination, rather than have the toys dictate how they are used. Meanwhile you, as parents and caregivers, will be given the opportunity to observe your wee ones, strengthening your attunement and conscious parenting skills. 

Throughout the morning, you may find yourself talking with a fellow Mom about the educational article I sent you last week. Maybe you have ideas about how to include rhythm and routine in your bedtime ritual and want to share them. Perhaps you are wondering how to handle your toddler’s resistance during transitions. When these types of conversations begin, we become the village raising our children. 

There might be a moment when two little ones both want the same toy. I will calmly approach them, get down onto my knees beside them and begin to sportscast what I see happening, striving to put into words what each of them can’t. How quickly the conflict is resolved when our children hear that we understand what they are going through!  

After play time, we will tidy the toys and then find a place on one of the many quilts for a picnic snack. Over the weeks of the program, the children will come to anticipate this transition by the song I sing and the washing of our hands using a warm, rose scented washcloth. When snack is finished, I will sing a song which will lead us into circle time, This will include some movements and songs appropriate for the age group of the children that morning. Maybe a little mouse will come out and nibble, nibble, nibble their toes or a bunny hops into its hole. Their imagination will again be stimulated, as will their attention, before they go and play again. 

Our morning will end with a short story depicted through puppets, with each child sitting on their story clouds in the safety of Mom’s lap. Friends will have been made, connections will have been strengthened, and hopefully, more strategies gathered for those times at home when we need to address the situation differently to reach a different conclusion. 

Hope to see you here! We all have so much to share and to learn!

Classes run on select mornings from 9:30 to 11:00 at the Church of the Transfiguration, 

33 Bromleigh Ave, London. (No religious affiliation.)

Suitable for parents of children ages birth to 5 years.