Promoting play opportunities for children all across the country, National Play Day on Saturday, 4th July should be embraced by parents and guardians alike, with local authorities encouraged to create play opportunities in residential gardens or communal areas to facilitate the day.
Under the theme this year of ‘Playful Communities, Playful Homes’, local authorities are being funded by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs to host initiatives to promote and celebrate National Play Day, by creating playful opportunities for children.
Local authorities may also provide free play packs with play tools for children, which require pre-booking; these will be available for collection at locations including Lismore Heritage Centre and Cappoquin/Affane GAA Club this Friday 3rd.
Some events which are taking place include a disco and magic show which will take place in the gardens of Cavan County Museum; virtual circus skills classes and play packs being provided by Dublin City Council, play packs to be distributed to direct provision centres and targeted groups across the country, and many more.
PARTICIPATE
The Minister for Children, Disability, Equality and Integration, Roderic O’Gorman T.D., encouraged participation.
“Play is central to children’s wellbeing, learning and development. Now more than ever, there is a need for each of us to make time for play in our homes and in our communities. I welcome National Play Day 2020 and encourage people to take part, whether it is from your home or in your community.
“Children’s lives have been turned upside down during this challenging time and hopefully
TOYS FOR FUN
National Play Day will be the beginning of children regaining a sense of normality.”
There is a strong focus on prioritising children, families and communities more likely to experience play deprivation, children who have additional needs or children who are part of seldom heard groups.
Play Packs can include items such as skipping ropes, soft balls, crafts or drawing materials, toys for communication, toys for socialisation, toys for sensory, toys for manipulation, toys for movement: most of all TOYS FOR FUN!!
Families should check with their Local Authority to see what great and fun ideas will take place in their area for National Play Day 2020 and also check out Gov.ie/letsplayireland to view the National Play Day video and further play ideas.
