.jpg?width=1024&height=683&name=BRISBANE%20MPM%202024%20WEB%20RES%20(59).jpg)
.jpg)
The Children's Voices Project
Play Matters Australia embarked on a journey, and engaged the expertise of specialists to bring light to the ways in which children's voices are embedded in our organisation's practices.
The purpose of the journey was to embrace an evaluative mindset; focusing on what children have to say, and action their views where possible. How we see children shapes and informs decisions we make for and with children.
Play Matters Australia is honoured to play a role in children’s lives and learn from their humour and grace.
The Playgroup Handbook
Children from the Play Matters Sunshine Coast Hub wrote and illustrated a handbook. The Project Specialist Officer attended the Hub on two consistent days of the week for approximately four months to create connections with children and families. The children were then asked what they thought children who had never been to playgroup should know and to represent their ideas through drawings.
Verbal and written consent was sought from both caregivers and children. The drawings were compiled into a handbook reflecting the children’s priorities - that there is lots to play, that you can make a friend, and that you can feel safe knowing there are people at playgroup who care for you.
.jpg)
Children's Voices Survey
A children’s survey is one way to get feedback from children about the activities and play experiences they participate in. Surveys should use visuals to ensure clarity and understanding from the children who participate.
Using a physical survey is a hands-on way to engage children’s feelings and opinions. This can range from a simple set-up of emotion cards, buckets and tokens, to visual placements and Velcro cards.
The following page can also be printed, copied, or adapted, as a way to engage children and get their opinions about play experiences.
.jpg)
On our Blog: Children’s Voices Matter
Play Matters enlisted the expertise of children’s participation rights specialist, Dr Cynthia Hicban, to support our aspirations as advocates for children. The project took us on a journey of understanding what children’s voices were, how we listen to children’s voices through embedded practice, as well as inspiring new ways to transform listening to action so that children’s voices could be represented where possible.
You can read more about Children's Voices Matter, and how to support children's agency on out blog!