KidzNJoy launched in Hong Kong in 2008, opening its first playgroup centre for kids aged eight months to three years to play and learn in Wan Chai. That branch still operates today, but it has since been joined by six more centres in different locations, providing playgroups in Hong Kong where learning is fun.
CHRISTINE GALLAGHER moved to Hong Kong from Australia in 2012, and started working for KidzNJoy two years later. “I always had a passion to work with kids, so I was lucky enough to land my dream job here,” she says.
That dream job blossomed, and in 2021 Christine took over the ownership of the company. “As a mother myself, I understand how important early development is, so I’m always striving to produce the most fun and educational playgroups I can.”
This focus on ensuring learning is fun is key to the KidzNJoy methodology. “We believe children learn through fun,” says Christine, “so our specially created classes are designed to promote early childhood brain development in a warm and caring environment. The activities encourage visual and auditory skill development, building up kids’ fine and gross motor skills and deepening their social, emotional and intellectual awareness.”
What happens at the KidzNJoy playgroups in Hong Kong?
Christine talks us through what parents can expect for their kids during a session and how they can play and learn during their visit to a KidzNJoy centre.
“We run each session for 60 to 90 minutes, and it’s a fun-filled, interactive class that gets the kids involved with a large variety of activities.
We start the class off with social interaction, through free play and sensory play. Circle time follows, where the teacher interacts with the kids using puppets and flash cards.
We then move on to music and movement, where we have a wide range of materials and instruments that the kids can use for each song. This engages them and keeps them entertained and focused. It’s by far our most popular activity!
In story time, we teach patience, listening and imagination, using pop-ups, touch and feel, rhyming and oversized books for the children to engage with.
Each class also includes a component of craft time – this is great for allowing the kids to be messy and creative! We always rotate between painting (dot to dot, sponges, brushes, corks and many more), stickers, gluing, colouring and even group craft so they can create something special as a team.
In bubble time, the teacher holds up a bubble machine, allowing each kid to chase and pop bubbles – it puts a smile on everyone’s face. At the same time, we sing and count the bubbles together.
Parachute play involves the use of a large parachute that the kids all hold and lift up and down, shake, run under and even sit on. This teaches confidence and control.
Finally, the goodbye song at the end of the class sees the teacher rolling a large soft ball to each student and singing goodbye to them individually.”
A word from parents about the play and learn approach
“I’d recommend KidzNJoy to any parents looking for a creative, fun and stimulating learning environment for their children!”
– Mum of Alison
“There’s a large variety of toys for Jack to settle with and explore – he really loves this group.”
– Dad of Jack
“The teachers are great and energetic; they give each child love and attention and really put effort into each class. I highly recommend this playgroup to anyone looking for activities for their little one.”
– Mum of Kelly
KidzNJoy is located at Tung Chung (two centres), Discovery Bay, Sheung Wan, Wan Chai, South Horizons and TST, with new locations planned for 2024.
This article about playgroups in Hong Kong where learning is fun for youngsters first appeared in the Spring 2024 issue of Expat Living magazine. Subscribe now so you never miss an issue.
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