Big Fat Smile, leading provider of early learning and care and recreation services, is pleased to announce the launch of an online home learning platform – @Home with Big Fat Smile.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic isolation environment, Big Fat Smile has launched a program which families can access to assist in the learning development of their children in the home environment.
@Home with Big Fat Smile is designed to help families participate in a range of educational, fun and engaging learning experiences at home alongside their children to support their learning, development and wellbeing.
The new at home online learning platform has been developed by Big Fat Smile’s Pedagogical Thinker in Residence, Dr Michele Peden.
“Families are wondering how they will contribute to supporting their child’s learning and development needs due to the announcement of a pandemic situation.”
“Big Fat Smile recognizes that learning from home for young children is very new for most families.”
“@Home with Big Fat Smile aims to increase families’ understanding and confidence on how to implement play-based learning opportunities within a home environment”,
said Dr Peden.
Big Fat Smile understands that there are many developmental benefits of play-based
learning. Play enables children to develop their physical, social, emotional, language
and cognitive skills. The new online learning program gives guidance for families on
how to provide holistic educational experiences that cover all areas of development.
Each week, a team of educational experts share with families a range of play-based
experiences that are suitable for a home learning environment. These experiences
incorporate educational concepts such as literacy, science, maths, technology and
the arts, appropriate for all ages (Birth – 12 years).
The content of the program includes Experience Activity Cards, which offer simple, cost
effective and age-appropriate activities and experiences which families can
implement to aid their child’s learning and development, as well as tips and tricks on
creating positive home learning environments.
We will continue to add content to the program, including educational videos, which
will include content such as stories being read aloud, singing, physical activity ideas,
visual arts and cultural activities.
The program also includes a child-centric component where children can contribute
and share ideas called the @Home Club. The galleries of Children’s creative contributions can be found on the @Home webpage.
Big Fat Smile have been servicing the Illawarra region for almost 40 years. Big Fat Smile
services remain open and continue to deliver quality early learning and out of school
hours care, supporting essential workers.
For those families who stay at home, @Home with Big Fat Smile offers high-quality online
home learning and is accessible to all. Families can access @Home with Big Fat Smile
resources at www.bigfatsmile.com.au/athome.
