Forging new relationships and growing in confidence every week has four-year-old Blake ready for school following his graduation from AnglicareSA’s HIPPY Program.
HIPPY is a free, two-year, home-based, early learning and parenting program for families with young children which is improving children’s school-readiness through AnglicareSA’s Elizabeth and Christies Beach sites.
Mum Shaylea said she didn’t know about HIPPY prior to a friend mentioning her daughter was part of the learning program.
“Blake wasn’t doing kindergarten at that time and didn’t really have any friends,” Shaylea said. “He was a bit isolated, so it was nice to have some opportunities to do something different.
“He loved doing all the activities. There were certain ones that he liked more, like messy play, but it was the relationships he built in HIPPY that definitely helped him come out of it shell more socially.”
Children’s earliest and most powerful learning comes from their family with parents laying the foundations for success at school by teaching their literacy, numeracy, and language skills which supports their love of learning throughout life.
Through the program, parents are supported to shape their child’s learning opportunities around their strengths and interests and to bring learning off the page and into the world. We call it ‘Everywhere Learning’ – taking HIPPY activities to everyday situations and places.
Blake was among 28 HIPPY students who graduated at a special ceremony held annually at the Adelaide Zoo, marking an end to his involvement in HIPPY.
He attended sessions with his grandma Lesley who appreciated the focus being on children taking part at their own speed.
“They weren’t forced to do things,” Lesley said. “They were encouraged but if they didn’t want to do it, they didn’t do it.
“When Blake first started, he was a bit hesitant about joining in with things like the texture-based activities, whereas now he is willing and wanting to do everything that they provide.”
Growth in confidence and coming out of his shell was something dad John noticed in Blake throughout his HIPPY journey, becoming more daring and adventurous.
“He does struggle a little bit in developing relationships with people, but I think that HIPPY has helped him, not just from a relationship aspect, but also from a developmental growth.” John said.
“It has really opened up his exploration, using an activity to then draw across to another activity whether it’s numbers, colours, or counting. I think that’s definitely helped him become ready to start school.”
And is he ready for school?
“Absolutely ready for school,” said Shaylea. “He had his interview the other day and he was super excited and can’t wait to go.”
