The Impact of Collaborative Play on Early Childhood Development
May 27, 2024
In 2022, the TOYBOX team attended an event hosted by Oak Street Nursery School. This year, on May 27th, this special event reunited these two preschools once again, creating a memorable day full of joyful interactions, creative activities, and a strong sense of community.
This event welcomed 20 participants, including children from Oak Street Nursery School and a visiting group from Grand Rapids. The TOYBOX team, Sheri-Lynn, Jeannie, Maggy, and Taylor, engaged with the young learners through various activities designed to promote learning through play.
Interactive Play and Learning
One of the highlights of the event was the collaborative playtime in the classroom, where children from both preschools had the opportunity to interact and form new friendships. The TOYBOX team observed the children as they drew pictures and proudly printed their names. This activity not only showcased the children's creativity but also demonstrated their ability to retain and apply important TOYBOX skills, such as name recognition and colour identification.
Sharing Knowledge and Resources
In addition to fostering personal connections, the event also served as a platform for sharing valuable resources. The Grand Rapids visitors were given activity booklets to take back to their community, ensuring that the benefits of the TOYBOX program could extend beyond the event itself. These booklets are filled with fun, educational activities that children can enjoy at home, further reinforcing the skills they learned during their time at Oak Street.
Strengthening Community Bonds
The success of this event highlights the positive impact of partnerships between preschools and programs like TOYBOX. By bringing together children from different communities, the event promoted a sense of belonging and mutual support. Parents and teachers alike witnessed firsthand the joy and growth that such collaborations can bring to young learners.
We are excited to continue our journey with TOYBOX, creating more opportunities for children to learn, play, and grow together. Stay tuned for future events and updates as we expand our reach and strengthen our community bonds.
For more information about TOYBOX and our upcoming events, please visit our website or contact us at toybox@uwinnipeg.ca!
Written by: Madison, Taylor, and Maggy
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