Enjoyable and educational are two targets a transition-to-school program hopes to hit with a series of sessions for preschool-aged children.
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The Dhiiyaan Aboriginal Transition to School Team has started this year’s activity and information afternoons to help Indigenous families prepare their little ones for Big School.
The first was today in Peel Street; others in various locations across the Tamworth CBD will follow in the coming months.
The transition-to-school team also runs playgroups and works with Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters (HIPPY).
Co-ordinator Ashleigh Lang said today's focus was on fine motor skills needed for not only schoolwork but also independence.
The activities included working with cold play dough – encouraging a workout for the hand, arm and upper body muscles – and writing with markers on a perspex board.
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“We provide information about fine motor skills, teaching parents why it’s important for children to develop those: it’s about everything from holding pencils to doing up buttons,” Mrs Lang said.
Dhiiyaan, which means family, is part of Tamworth Family Support Service and one major role is advocating for families and “building the strength of community”.
HIPPY tutor Emily Derrick said her program was about giving parents the knowledge and tools to be their child’s first teacher, through activities and games to build their literacy and numeracy.
Mrs Lang said Indigenous families faced a few barriers when it came to preparing their kids for Kindergarten.
We can help with [issues including] helping families with making a connection to other families and to schools as well.
- Ashleigh Lang
They could be: difficulty gaining childcare or preschool places; getting transport to school information nights; or filling out enrolment forms.
“We can help with these issues, as well as just helping families with making a connection to other families and to schools as well.”
Two more of these sessions are planned, open to all Indigenous families.
The first will focus on literacy and language, and the second on numeracy – all with games for the kids, and information and resources for the adults.
They will be outside Hissy Fits from 1pm to 2.30pm on March 14 and April 4.