3 Winter Holiday Group Sessions to Keep Your Child Active
Two weeks of winter school holidays can feel like a long stretch when the weather is grey and the usual routines are on pause. The early excitement of no school tends to fade fast, and by day three many parents are searching for something, anything, to fill the morning that does not involve a screen. This is where a winter holiday group session can help! Ours run across Melbourne this July, guided by a physiotherapist and an allied health assistant, giving children a chance to move, build confidence and connect with other kids in a relaxed, supportive setting, while you get a little breathing room too.
Why a winter holiday group session can help your child
Group sessions offer something a little different from one-on-one therapy or playing at home. Children move and practise skills in a small group, which can make activity feel more like play and less like work. Being around other children also gives them natural chances to take turns, share space and build social confidence.
Each of our sessions runs for 60 minutes and is guided by a physiotherapist and an allied health assistant, with groups kept small at two to six children so everyone gets attention. The activities are designed to support movement, coordination and confidence, and children are encouraged to take part at their own pace. For children working towards goals in their NDIS plan, a holiday group can be a good way to keep practising those skills while school is out. Many parents also find their child sleeps better and feels more settled on the days they have had a good run-around.
3 winter holiday group sessions on offer this July
This July we are running three programs across Melbourne, each with its own focus so you can pick the one that suits your child.
Game On! is an outdoor program built around sport-specific skills, running at Knox RoadRunners in Bayswater. Through guided games and play, children practise movement and coordination while building confidence at their own pace. It suits children who enjoy being active outdoors and want to try a range of sports in a friendly group.
Ready, Set… PLAY! focuses on strength, confidence and social skills through interactive activities. It runs at our Heidelberg clinic and at Noble Park Community Centre, with morning and afternoon options depending on the location. This one works well for children who do better with a structured, predictable session.
Smash It! is our holiday badminton program, pairing professional coaching from SMASH Badminton Academy with physiotherapy support at Badminton Connect in Noble Park. Children build coordination, timing and social connection while learning a new sport. Most programs run on set weekdays from late June through to mid-July. You can see the full timetable and session times on our group sessions page.
Will a group session suit my child?
It is natural to wonder whether a group setting is right for your child, especially if they are shy or find new places a little overwhelming. Groups are kept small for this reason, and the physiotherapist and assistant adjust activities so children of different abilities can take part together. Children are never pushed to do more than they are comfortable with!
If your child has sensory needs, tires quickly or uses a mobility aid, that is fine. Let us know when you enquire and we can talk through which program is the best fit, or whether a one-to-one session might suit better for now. The aim is for your child to finish the holidays feeling a bit more confident, not worn out.
Simple movement ideas to try between sessions
On the days when there is no session booked, a little movement at home keeps the momentum going, and you do not need much room or any special gear!
Tape a hopscotch grid onto the floor with masking tape, or mark out stepping stones with cushions and let your child hop from one to the next without touching the floor. Set up indoor bowling with a few empty plastic bottles and a soft ball. Pop some socks on smooth floorboards and let your child slide and balance. A short go at simple kids’ yoga, copying animal shapes, makes a calm option for the end of the day.
For more at-home ideas, including obstacle courses, balloon games and animal walks, have a read of our earlier blog on keeping kids active this winter.
When keeping your child active feels like a struggle
A few practical details are worth knowing before you sign up. If your child is new to First Step Therapy Services, we ask that they complete a one-hour physiotherapy assessment around one to two weeks before the program starts. This helps us understand your child’s strengths, goals and support needs, and place them in the right group.
Siblings are welcome to come along. A non-NDIS sibling can join for an extra $20 per session alongside an enrolled NDIS participant, as long as they can follow simple one to two step instructions and take part on their own!
Ready to take the next step for your child?
in Clayton South or Heidelberg today!
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