Tweddle’s new Building Blocks animation is designed to help parents, carers, early parenting and health professionals embrace the transformative power of play.
This innovative resource was created following Tweddle’s HoPES team winning the prestigious 2023 Victorian Early Years Award in the category of Supporting Parents to Build Their Capacity and Confidence.
As part of the award, the team received a grant to further strengthen the program. The HoPES team collaborated to develop an engaging and accessible online educational resource aimed at supporting not only Tweddle parents but also a wider audience.
This includes parents with low literacy, cognitive impairments, or those unfamiliar or uncertain about how to effectively use play to nurture a baby or young child’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development.
Tweddle CEO Liz Murdoch said the short video, developed in partnership with Tweddle and LifeBuoy Video, beautifully portrays the simplicity and impact of entering a child’s world through play. The animation illustrates how simple, intentional interactions can foster strong bonds and attachment and strengthen relationships for life.” She said.
“The HoPES team have collaborated to create an early parenting resource that supports not only families but practitioners and clinicians building parenting confidence and connection.”
The video explains how the benefits of play include:
- Enhancing a child’s emotional security by building trust and connection with caregivers.
- Supporting cognitive growth through exploration, problem-solving, and creativity.
- Encouraging physical development through movement and sensory experiences.
- Strengthening social skills, such as communication, empathy, and cooperation.
The resource also explains how screens are not recommended for children under age 2, and the very different types of play, including floor play with a baby.
Building Blocks underpins Tweddle’s commitment to equipping parents with the knowledge and tools to nurture their child through play and to help families understand that play can include easy, day to day moments and interactions.
Tweddle would like to thank the Department of Education and Training for funding the project, and to Lifebuoy Video for their innovation and guidance.
