VU early childhood pre-service teachers are hosting free pop-up play spaces in Footscray as part of an innovative placement program.
The free play spaces are based on the practice of Playwork in which children are empowered to engage, create, imagine, and explore by moving a variety of ‘loose parts’, such as recycled cardboard and fabrics, for their own reasons and in their own time.
Lecturer Sarah Jobson said the program allows VU students studying a degree to engage with children, gain their trust, and observe how they use creativity in play:
We really have to believe that children are clever and creative and inventive, and the best way to do that is to watch what they do when playing with lots of loose parts.
“It’s also great for our students to have conversations with parents and carers about their children and just enjoy that social aspect of meeting together in a community space.”
Ms Jobson said COVID accelerated the development of the program for families seeking safe outdoor spaces for their young children, but its focus remains to offer pre-service teachers a unique placement opportunity.
“When these students become teachers, they will know how to provide lots of materials for children, and then to stand back and wait for the amazingness to happen.”
Where: Footscray Park (near the riverside playground) and Railway Reserve (3 McNab Ave)
When: 9-11am and 1-3pm Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays (Saturdays, Railway Reserve only)
The sessions will run until Saturday 26 March. Kids of all ages are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.
No bookings required.
