Small group programs are planned and developed in response to families’ needs.
The programs focus on socialising children, encouraging parental networks of support and boosting literacy through play, rhyme & song and active learning.
All group program operate during school terms only. For kindergarten & school term dates click here.
Play and Stay
18 months plus – language and play skills in a small group
A 32 week information and play session where children play and parents engage in the information session and then practice the play skills with their children in the setting.
Session time and date:
Weekly at Blackburn:
Tuesdays: 11 February – 24 March 2020
Weekly at Brighton:
Thursdays: 13 February – 19 March 2020
(no session 26 March)
Rhyme and Climb
2 – 3 years old’s – a listening, language and motor skills group
This group will use rhyme, rhythm, song, repetition and motor activities to build a solid foundation for early listening, language and motor skill acquisition.
Session time and date:
Weekly at Blackburn:
Wednesdays: 12 February – 25 March 2020
Itty Bitty Parent Book Club
2½ years plus – a parent and child literacy group
A program to help parents learn about story reading techniques that promote language skills.
Session dates and times:
Weekly at Blackburn:
Thursdays: 13 February – 19 March 2020 (no session 26 March)
Thursdays: 13 February – 19 March 2020 (no session 26 March)
Weekly at Moonee Ponds:
Tuesdays: 11 February – 24 March 2020
Out of the box
3 year olds attending kinder – developing listening and social language in small groups.
A small group program that begins with children singing and chatting. Each week Little Ted joins the group bringing along a book and an activity ‘out of the box’ to promote friendships and social language. Activities include reading, cooking, gardening, craft activities and more.
Session dates and times:
Weekly at Blackburn:
Mondays: 10 February – 23 March 2020 (no session 9 March)
Thursdays: 13 February – 19 March 2020 (no session 26 March)
Fridays: 14 February – 27 March 2020
Weekly at Moonee Ponds:
Thursdays: 13 February – 19 March 2020 (no session 26 March)
Lunch Bunch
4 – 5 years old – a social skills and school readiness program
A cooking program that focuses on extending language, communicating with peers and early literacy.
Session dates and times:
Weekly at Blackburn:
Mondays: 10 February – 23 March 2020 (no session 9 March)
Wednesdays: 12 February – 25 March 2020
Fridays: 14 February – 27 March 2020
Weekly at Moonee Ponds:
Tuesdays: 11 February – 24 March 2020
Weekly at Brighton:
Tuesdays: 11 February – 24 March 2020
Once Upon a Time
4 – 5 year olds – a pre-literacy and school readiness group
A book Club to extend vocabulary knowledge, develop early narrative & literacy skills.
Session time and date:
Weekly at Blackburn:
Tuesdays: 11 February – 24 March 2020
Thursdays: 13 February – 19 March 2020 (no session 26 March)
Ready Steady ART!
A 16 week school readiness program promoting self-advocacy, positive identity and emotional well –being, where skills and creativity will be encouraged and enjoyed through the medium of Art.
Session time and date:
Weekly at Blackburn:
Mondays: 10 February – 23 March 2020 (no session 9 March)
Fridays: 14 February – 27 March 2020
Parent Child Mother Goose
Parent-Child Mother Goose®
In this weekly program, you will meet with other parents and children for an hour-long session of rhymes, songs and oral stories that build your child’s social and communication skills while at the same time providing you with support as a parent. Afterwards we all enjoy morning tea together. Mother Goose is a time to put aside the stresses of daily life, to relax and to have fun with other parents and children.
For more information about PCMG please visit their Australian website.
Session dates and times:
Sessions operate during school terms:
Weekly at Blackburn:
Term 3 – Fridays: 19 Jul – 13 Sept (No session 23 August)
Term 4 – Fridays: 18 Oct – 29 Nov
Weekly at Moonee Ponds:
Term 3 – Mondays: 15 July – 16 September
(no session 19 and 26 August)
Term 3 – Wednesdays: 17 July – 18 September (no session 21 and 28 August)
Weekly at Brighton:
Term 3 – Mondays: 22 July – 16 September
Playgroup
An information and support group for parents, for children with hearing loss and their siblings. In playgroup, parents can meet other families, share experiences and learn what works from others.
Session dates and times:
Sessions operate during school terms:
Weekly at Blackburn:
Mondays: 15 July – 8 September
Fortnightly at Moonee Ponds:
Thursdays: 25 July; 8, 22 August; 5, 19 September
Fortnightly at Geelong:
Thursdays: 18 July; 1, 15, 29 August; 12 September
Make the Connection
In Make the Connection you will meet other parents who have recently learned their own child has a hearing loss, and will have an opportunity to share your questions and feelings with them and Taralye staff. The program teaches you ways to build a secure attachment with your baby as a strong foundation for later learning. (Please note: times may be subject to change)
Session dates and times:
Sessions operate during school terms:
Weekly at Blackburn:
Mondays 29 July – 16 September
Wednesdays 31 July – 18 September
For more information on the Small Group program contact Jenni Bird, Small Group Coordinator, M: 0419 143 019 or via email.
