Playgroup update - Term 1 2026

At our Lakelands Infant Toddler Program, food preparation has been a highlight of our playgroup sessions. With students bringing in a variety of interesting fruits and foods, each week has offered something new to explore. These hands-on experiences give children the chance to use real tools and equipment while building independence, developing practical life skills, and strengthening fine motor control.

From carefully slicing bananas to squeezing fresh orange juice, students have been actively involved in preparing their own food. They have enjoyed spreading crackers with butter and Vegemite, crushing rice crackers using a mortar and pestle, and making their own rice bubble cereal by pouring and adding milk. These simple tasks provide meaningful opportunities for concentration, coordination, and confidence-building.

This term also brought some extra excitement. Students used cookie cutters to create fun shapes from watermelon slices and tried slicing strawberries with a specialised slicer. A favourite activity was using a coffee grinder to turn rice bubbles into crumbs, then adding milk to make a porridge-like snack. With a selection of grapes available, we also took time to practise safe eating by showing toddlers how to bite grapes carefully before chewing.

With the warm weather, our outdoor water play area has been a popular place to explore. Students experimented with pouring water over a watermill and turning a crank to draw water from a well, discovering how water moves and flows. The ball and water track continues to be a favourite, with students learning patience and turn-taking as they wait for their turn.