International Day of Play celebrated
By Kirsten Free, CatholicCare Tasmania
Close to 100 children, families and community members came together recently to celebrate the International Day of Play at CatholicCare Tasmania’s makers lab, enjoying a morning of creativity, exploration and hands-on learning.
Held at the Kingborough Community Hub, the free community event invited children to deconstruct old appliances, build with timber and use real tools and materials to bring their ideas to life. Throughout the morning, children enthusiastically embraced opportunities to make, create and experiment, demonstrating curiosity, problem-solving skills and imagination.
One of the highlights of the event was seeing children proudly share their creations with family members and others in the space. These moments reflected the power of play to build creativity, confidence and connection while helping children develop important life skills.
The makers lab offered families a glimpse into CatholicCare Tasmania’s Early Learning and Care services, where children are supported every day to explore, create, problem-solve and take managed risks that build confidence, resilience and a lifelong love of learning.
Scott Gibson, Pedagogy and Practice Consultant at CatholicCare Tasmania, said the event showcased the organisation’s approach to early childhood education and care.
“We believe children are capable, competent learners who thrive when they are given opportunities to explore, create and discover,” Scott said.
“What families experienced at the makers lab is an example of the kind of rich, hands-on learning that we value in our Early Learning and Care services every day. Whether children are using tools, investigating how things work, solving problems or bringing their ideas to life, they’re developing confidence, resilience and a love of learning that will support them well into the future.”
The event also highlighted the importance of adventurous and managed-risk play. By providing opportunities for children to assess risk, make decisions and engage with real materials in safe and supportive environments, they develop greater independence, critical thinking skills and self-confidence.
The makers lab attracted interest from members of the wider community, with several people stopping to watch and ask questions. Many commented on how valuable it was to see children given the freedom to experiment, create and learn through authentic experiences using real tools and materials.
CatholicCare Tasmania extends its thanks to everyone who attended and to the Kingborough Community Hub for generously providing the venue and supporting the event.
The success of the makers lab reflects CatholicCare Tasmania’s commitment to providing high-quality Early Learning and Care services that support children’s growth, wellbeing and development. Through environments that nurture curiosity, creativity and confidence, CatholicCare Tasmania is helping young Tasmanians develop the skills they need to thrive now and into the future.