Toddler groups set up virtual meet-ups during coronavirus pandemic
Katy Morton
Thursday, March 19, 2020
Baby and toddler activity groups are coming up with ways to keep parents connected and children stimulated in light of the social distancing measures introduced to reduce the spread of Coronavirus.
A mum and baby group in Milton Keynes has set up a virtual meeting to prevent anyone feeling lonely and isolated.
The group for parents and children from birth to the age of three, which meets once a week in New Life Church in Wolverton, Milton Keynes, from Monday will host a virtual group meet up, which will include story and songtime.
One of the group’s leaders Andrea Russell said, ‘We’re mums from all over the city and despite having to stop meeting in person for a while, what better way to utilise technology and make sure we keep the spirit and fun of the group going.
‘We are a close-knit bunch who love to encourage and support each other. So, on Monday we will all log into Zoom and I’ll have some fun reading a story for the children and doing songtime. It’s also a chance to check in on the mums. It’s a strange time but hopefully we can make it a tiny bit easier and not lose contact or our connection with each other.’
Captain Fantastic, a children’s entertainment company in Uxbridge, is also hosting free virtual interactive toddler groups from Monday (23 April) for children aged two to four.
The twice-weekly sessions will feature puppetry, magic, nursery rhymes, music and dancing.
The company has set up a Go Fund Me page for participating parents who can afford to pay a small donation.
Across the country, parents and childcare staff are also posting on social media and creating groups with ideas about how to keep children entertained and continue their learning.
Online learning resources
Meanwhile, the National Literacy Trust has launched a new online learning zone for parents seeking ideas and guidance for activities that will engage their children at home, while also benefiting their reading, writing and language development.
The charity has developed the learning zone in response to the announcement by the education secretary yesterday that schools and nurseries will close after Friday other than to vulnerable children or those of parents working in key jobs including the emergency services.
Resources and activities available on the learning zone include:
- Small talk videos to help parents chat, play and read with their young child.
- A guide to building a den at home.
- Author videos, including live stories from author Steve Antony, draw along sessions with illustrator Rob Biddulph and poetry workshops with Sarah Crossan.
Jonathan Douglas, chief executive of the National Literacy Trust, said, ‘During these unprecedented times, we want to ensure that every parent across the UK has access to a wide range of exciting activities that will engage their children at home, whilst also supporting their literacy development. From live story time with incredible children’s authors to building your very own reading den at home – our Family Zone has something for everyone.’
