Join us for our special series of Parent Workshops Spring Sessions!

Come along to Artview Gallery in Bayview Heights where our experienced early years educator, Alison Fitzsimmons and her daughter, Harriette will inspire new parents with the tools and knowledge to foster their baby’s imagination and connection to nature through stories. Each session will include storytelling, practical activities, and discussions on integrating nature and books into daily routines.

Day 1 – The Power of Storytelling!
Sat 7th September 10.30am – 11.30pm

Understand the importance of storytelling for cognitive and emotional development. Learn techniques for engaging storytelling. Discover how to incorporate nature themes into stories.

Day 2 – Nature Exploration and Sensory Play
Sat 14th September 10.30am – 11.30pm

Introduce the benefits of sensory play and nature exploration. Provide practical ideas for integrating nature into daily routines. Enhance babies’ sensory experiences through nature.

Day 3 – Creating a Nature-Friendly Reading Nook
Sat 21st September 10.30am – 11.30pm

Learn how to set up a cozy and nature-inspired reading nook at home. Discover the benefits of a dedicated reading space for babies. Explore ways to incorporate nature elements into the reading area.

Day 4 – Integrating Stories and Nature into Everyday Life!
Sat 28th September 10.30am – 11.30pm

Develop strategies for seamlessly integrating stories and nature into everyday routines. Understand the long-term benefits of these practices for child development. Create a personalised plan for ongoing engagement with stories and nature.

“Nature provides a rich tapestry of unplanned, unknown, and unpredictable encounters, each a valuable opportunity for exploration and learning.” Adapted from the principles of Reggio Emilia

Dates:

Sat 7th September 10.30am – 11.30am (The Power of Storytelling!)

Sat 14th September 10.30am – 11.30am (Nature Exploration and Sensory Play)

Sat 21st September 10.30am – 11.30am (Creating a Nature-Friendly Reading Nook)

Sat 28th September 10.30am – 11.30am (Integrating stories and Nature into Everyday Life!)

 
Cost:

$35 per adult, per session

Testimonials:

“As a first-time Mum, I wanted to give my baby the best start in life. The ‘Sparking Your Child’s Imagination’ workshops were exactly what I needed!” 

“The storytelling techniques I learned have transformed our reading time into a magical experience.” 

“I never realized how much nature could enhance our stories and daily routines. My little one loves our new nature walks, and I’m thrilled to see him so engaged and curious about the world around him.” 

“These workshops have made a significant impact on our bonding time, and I feel so much more confident as a parent.”

Key Takeaways:

·       Enhanced Bonding: Strengthen the bond with your baby through engaging and meaningful storytelling.

·       Creative Activities: Access a variety of creative, nature-inspired activities to stimulate your baby’s senses and curiosity.

·       Nature Connection: Foster a deep connection to nature from an early age, encouraging curiosity and respect for the environment.

·       Reading Habits: Cultivate a love for reading and learning by creating a nurturing and inspiring reading environment.

·       Practical Tools: Leave with practical tools and resources to integrate stories and nature into your baby’s daily life, enhancing their overall development and well-being.

What to bring:

Notebook and Pen: For taking notes and jotting down ideas during the sessions.

Comfortable Clothing: Suitable for both indoor activities and outdoor nature exploration.

Appropriate for:

New Parents

·       First-Time Parents: Ideal for parents who are new to the journey of raising a child and are looking for ways to stimulate their baby’s imagination and connect them to nature from an early age.

·       Parents with Infants: Suitable for parents with newborns and infants up to 12 months old who want to establish a foundation of storytelling and nature exploration in their child’s routine.

Early Years Carers

·       Childcare Providers: Perfect for nannies, babysitters, and early childhood educators seeking creative and engaging ways to incorporate storytelling and nature into their caregiving practices.

·       Daycare Workers: Beneficial for professionals working in daycare settings who want to enrich their programs with nature-themed activities and sensory play.

Expectant Parents

·       Soon-to-Be Parents: Great for expectant parents who wish to prepare for their baby’s arrival by learning about the importance of storytelling and nature in early development.

·       Parenting Groups: Suitable for prenatal and postnatal support groups that focus on child development and early learning.

Family Members

·       Grandparents: Ideal for grandparents who are involved in the caregiving of their grandchildren and want to contribute to their early learning and connection to nature.

·       Extended Family: Helpful for aunts, uncles, and other family members who play a significant role in the child’s life and want to participate in their early learning experiences.

Benefits of Participation:

1.     Confidence Building: Parents and carers will gain confidence in their ability to engage their child in meaningful and developmentally appropriate activities.

2.     Skill Development: Learn practical skills for storytelling, sensory play, and creating nature-friendly environments that support early learning.

3.     Bonding Opportunities: Enhance the bond with your child through shared activities and experiences centred around stories and nature.

4.     Community Support: Connect with other parents and caregivers, sharing experiences, tips, and support throughout the workshop series.

Workshop Environment:

Inclusive and Supportive: The workshops are designed to be inclusive, welcoming all parents and caregivers regardless of experience level.

Interactive and Hands-On: Each session includes interactive activities and practical demonstrations to ensure participants can apply what they learn.

Resource-Rich: Participants will receive handouts, checklists, and other resources to support continued learning and application at home.

Location:
You will meet Alison and Harriette at Artview Gallery

220 Toogood Road, Cairns Queensland 4868 

For further questions please email [email protected]