Activities such as playgroups are being held online across Melbourne, as the state lockdown continues to restrict the reasons people can leave home.
Point Cook resident Phebe Yeo, who runs the community learning service 8SENSES, facilitates free online playgroups and learning activities for children aged up five years old in a safe environment.
Outside of lockdowns and pandemic restrictions, Phebe runs the CUTEKids Playgroup at the Point Cook Community Learning Centre, the Arndell Park Community Centre and Mainview Boulevard Family Learning Centre in Truganina.
In the playgroup name, CU stands for “culturally”, T is from “together” and E is “experience”.
Being unable to meet in-person, Phebe has continued hosting playgroups online.
She has also been recording songs for families who belong to the Mainview Boulevard Family Learning Centre’s Facebook page.
“Currently I am doing these free extra online activities for families from the community, not necessarily those who are currently attending my on-site playgroup sessions,” Phebe said.
“This lockdown may go on longer than expected and even if I can help a child or mum be encouraged, it is good for me.”
Altona Meadows mother Lia and her daughter Michelle are participating in the online playgroup sessions.
“Michelle is enjoying the singing with Phebe, some days they also do games like Simon Says and taking things from the home in a certain colour, doing counting or numbers,” Lia said.
Lia said that outside of lockdowns, she “absolutely loved” attending the playgroup sessions in-person – as well as the excursions that Phebe organises to parks and Werribee Zoo – as this allows her to meet other parents.
She said it was also important for Michelle to learn social skills and how to share toys.
Details: 8senses.com.au/index.html
Alesha Capone
