Children love to play with other children.

Playgroups are fun, great way to meet other parents or caregivers in your community.

A playgroup supports families and provides children with valuable education, spiritual and social experiences.

How to Make a Start

Things to consider:

1. Are there enough interested families in your church and community to establish a group?
2. Is there a suitable venue? Safe indoor/outdoor areas, adequate kitchen and toilet facilities, storage for equipment etc.
3. Obtain approval from any necessary groups
4. Form an organising group
5. Choose a person to be the coordinator
6. Decide on the aims and objectives. Eg. Playgroups with Purpose: promoting Jesus with passion, power and peace; preparing a place for God to participate; prayer and praise; parent support and partnership; pasturing children and families; positive guidance and discipleship; protection and provision of needs; play God's way
7. Decide which days and times the group will meet
8. Organise a timetable and decide on play activities. Eg. Family and dramatic play; creative play; books/language/music; physically active play; constructive and exploratory play; manipulative play; spiritual growth opportunities; morning tea
9. Decide what equipment is needed and from where it can be obtained
10. Estimate costs and accounts, and decide on fundraising
11. Consider whether your group is eligible for Government Funding
12. Consider how you will minister to and support the parents
13. Decide on an opening date

mainly music has developed a playgroup type concept that enables parents and children to enjoy music together.

It builds relationships and networks, provides nurture, encourages people to think about God, and be presented with the gospel in a clear, concise, loving and balanced way.

It often forms the first contact point between the church and the community.

It consists of -

• 30 minute session
• Parent participation
• Music movement, rhymes and action
• Morning tea and fellowship
• Extra activities
• Outreach
• Adults and children enjoying music

The set up package containing a manual, stationery outlines, music CD's, music books, training dvd, music manual, and prop packages is $AU300.

Starting mainly music

1. Gather together a group of people who are passionate about reaching into the community through this concept.

2. Seek the backing of your church leadership. It is vital that they see this as a ministry and provide prayer support, financial underwriting, and encouragement. Obtain a letter of support for this new venture from your pastoral team or church leadership.

3. Send away for an application form. Contact Jo Hood, P O Box 894, Glen Waverley, VIC 3150 Phone toll free 1800 320 402 or email - johood@mainlymusic.org.au ;
Website: www.mainlymusic.org.au

Contact the Children Ministries department to find out how to acquire the resources.