A free course that will change how you play with your children.
Created by Australia's most respected play therapy organisation, this free short course will increase your understanding of why play is so important for children's mental wellbeing.
But more than that, it will motivate you to incorporate play into your world and your child's.
Play can literally rewire a child's brain and help them to overcome even the most difficult life experiences.
What is it?
The Need To Play is a 45 minute online course with 5 modules, short quizzes, and downloadable activities.
Who is it for?
It is for any parent or carer who has a child under 12 years of age. However, any adult will find it interesting and can benefit from it!
Where does it happen?
It's fully online so you can do this course anywhere and at any time.
How does it work?
You watch a short video that introduces the module, complete the reading, do a short quiz at the end of the module if you'd like to test your knowledge and then start putting what you have learnt into practise. It's free, and you can do it as many times as you like.
When does it start?
It's fully online so you can start as soon as you enrol. You then complete it in your own time.
Why does it exist?
Be Centre wants every child to have the start in life that they deserve. Play is critical to a child's healthy brain development. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child even refers to play (Article 31).
A child's natural language is play.
Adults talk, children play.
Be Centre's Need To Play course is a 'must do' for every parent or carer.
We know you'll learn something new, and we believe it'll change how you play with your children.
Start the free course
Play can save lives.
Over the course of 5 modules, you'll learn why play is important for kids, how it can benefit relationships, how it helps them overcome difficult experiences, some practical tips with lots of downloadable activities, and what to do if you need more help.
The benefits of play are endless. It can literally save lives.
More about the course.
What you'll learn
- There are five modules starting with 'what is play' right through to 'recognising the connection between play and difficult experiences'
- The aim of this course is to provide you with a new understanding of the importance of play for your child's brain and overall development, so you are motivated to incorporate play into your daily routines with your child
- The power of play cannot be underestimated as a way for children to express themselves and process big feelings. You'll learn why it is through play that children are able to process difficult and challenging experiences
- You'll learn about the different types of play and on the way, you'll build your own confidence to incorporate more play time with your child
- You'll also learn what signs to look out for that might indicate your child needs some additional support
Start the free course
Be Centre would like to acknowledge and thank the following for their support in contributing to the development of this course.
- NAB Foundation for partial funding
- Play therapists: Erin Butler, Fiona Geoghegan, Bree de la Harpe, Anna Charleston, Fiona Howell – for your knowledge and expertise
- Video segments: Erin Butler and Fiona Geoghegan – Play therapists, Michelle Mott – Parent counsellor, Christina Rooney – parent, and Santi – 8-year-old boy
- Numerous parents/carers involved in product research interviews
- Video production and editing by Dave Garner
