| Playgroup Programme (PGP) |
Address
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Languages
| English | ||||||||
| Type | Playgroup, Literacy Programme, Mother to Mother Group & Library | ||||||||
| Meeting Times | See our website | ||||||||
| Status | not-for-profit | ||||||||
| Contact Person | Tania McMahon | ||||||||
| Contact Email | pgp-registrar@hotmail.com | ||||||||
| Website | http://www.playgroupprogramme.org/ | ||||||||
| Who is it for? | The English speaking community in and around Geneva, Vaud and France | ||||||||
How many?
| Over 150 participating families | ||||||||
| When did it start? | 1987 | ||||||||
| How does it work? |
The Playgroup Programme (PGP) is an association of international parents that organizes structured, English-language Playgroups and Literacy Classes for children aged from around 6 months to 10 years
It provides an inexpensive source of social, developmental & educational stimuli designed to enhance a child's weekly life. It offers an opportunity to meet others in similar family situations and can provide a network of help and support to families away from their home countries. It is a great place to make friends for parents & children alike. *The PGP Playgroup Programme This consists of 1 hour 30 min sessions where children participate with their parent or caregiver in a variety of activities. All sessions are conducted in English and we strongly encourage that English be the only language used by both parents and children while attending the Playgroup Programme. A volunteer Leader and Assistant animate each session, with parents helping alongside to ensure an enjoyable session is had by all. *The PGP Literacy Programme This is designed to teach English reading and writing skills to children ages 4 to 10 who speak English fluently (using English as one of their primary languages at home), and who are enrolled in local French speaking schools (not participating in any other bilingual programme). The curriculum is based on those used in international schools. Each week children receive homework, such as worksheets or reading books, and parents are asked to ensure support at home to complete assignments for the following week. Indeed, in all literacy groups it is essential that the work completed in class is supported and reinforced by activities at home to enable children to achieve their full potential. As in all Playgroup activities Literacy Programme teachers and assistants are volunteers (many of whom hold professional qualifications). Parents must wait on Playgroup premises during classes for insurance purposes, and as such are encouraged to provide additional help as required by the teachers and assistants (perhaps preparing snacks and clearing up, or helping with library books and reading in the classes). *Mother to Mother Support Programme This groups provides a welcome place for mothers wishing to talk to others in a similar situation about their new life with a baby. *PGP Lending Library This is open to all members free of charge. In addition to children's book, it also has an adult reference section. It is open during Playgroup sessions. *PGP Newsletter This contains articles of interest, news of events, and notices of activities in the Geneva area. Contributions are most welcome. To register in our programmes, please fill out an Enrolment form which can be obtained from out website, or by contacting the Registrar. | ||||||||
| How do you keep the group/program going? |
The program is run on a completely voluntary basis by the members themselves. A group leader or teacher and an assistant are in charge of each session.
An elected committee of Playgroup parents undertakes the administration of the programme by coordinating groups, special activities, finances and weekly materials. An Annual General Meeting is held each autumn that is focused on the continuing success of our programme. | ||||||||
| How does it benefit families? | Through active participation, friendships are formed and social lives are enhanced. The children's English language skills are developed. Parents and caregivers are given the chance to mingle and relax together without children during 'nights out'. | ||||||||