Two Primary one classes from nearby Victoria Primary School visited Forth Valley College’s Falkirk Campus recently to take part in a ‘Play is the Way’ workshop.
NC Early Education and Childcare students led by lecturer Gemma Dempsey, organised the creative activities on the morning of Tuesday 20 September in the Antonine Suite. The workshop covered everything from sensory exploration using art, to working with numbers, words and literacy. A special activity also explored a Scottish element of the workshop focussing on thistles!
The Play is the Way workshop also served as an introductory event for students – many of whom will be going on placement to Victoria Primary and other schools in the area in October – to find out which areas of their roles they might need to enhance as they progress.
Gemma, said: “What a fantastic morning! The students worked hard to plan seven different ‘play free’ experiences for the children to engage in. This has allowed the students to get hands-on, practical experience, planning and implementing activities, before they progress into work experience across schools in Falkirk Council. The students have expressed how the event allowed them to build confidence interacting and questioning the young children, supporting and expand their learning. The students have also said they feel more readily prepared for work experience beginning in October…additionally, we all had lots of fun!"
Naomi Forbes a teacher at Victoria Primary School added: “The children thoroughly enjoyed a morning of play-based learning activities at the college. It was also a fantastic opportunity for them to visit such a prominent building in their local community. We hope to return again soon!”
