Playcentre work to be explained

Taupo Times, Volume 23, Issue 62, 6 August 1974, Page 13

Playcentre work to be

explained

The Tauhara Playcentre is to hold a session in the New World Supermarket on Thursday morning as part of a play centre publicity week promotion. Children and their mothers are expected to take part in the public demonstration of playcentre activities. Book displays in two Taupo shops will also be part of the campaign. ' The publicity officer for the Rotorua Playcentre Association, Mrs Millie Murch, said the aim of the week was to create nationwide publicity at all levels. She said it was particularly directed at parents of pre-school children, the : public, parliamentarians and "relevant Government departments." "Playcentre is a unique movement for children," said Mrs Murch. "It recognises their work

through play, promotes feelings of security and self esteem, maintains and improves physical and mental health and guides children to more satisfying relationships with other children and adults." It also extended and deepened a child's understanding of his social and physical environment and developed competence in

the skills of communication. "Playcentre seeks to help children become social, happy, well-adjusted individuals," she said. "It is an educational organisation and through the University of Waikato's extension programme, it is responsible for the community needs in continuing adult education, day school

seminars, regular evening courses and discussions, and first aid lectures are given To playcentre parents." These aspects were part of the playcentre training certificate, and although the centres are voluntary bodies, the supervisor and her assistant are trained and qualified. Playcentre groups contain a maximum of 25 to 30 children and parents are invited to take an active interest in the organisation.