With the school holidays upon us, we checked in with RCH staff from different areas of the hospital to hear what they’ll be doing with the kids during the holidays.
Vikki Jones, Director of Arts, likes to plan indoor activities for rainy days.
“One of our favourite activities is t-shirt design, with a plain t-shirt and some good fabric pens or paints. Let the kids go wild or have them design on a theme; could be linked to a season, a self portrait or designing their own superhero.
Another popular activity is completely covering the table top with lining paper. The kids can decorate the entire surface in any way they like – finger painting, potato printing and using toys to make experimental marks. Once dry, we find smaller sections to frame.”
Leith Lilley, Pharmacy Development Manager, and her family like to venture out, whether it is for the day or taking a little trip.
“Camping is a family favourite. We also like visiting the Melbourne Museum and the National Gallery of Victoria, as well as scooting around Royal Park.”
Louise Marbina, Manager Educationa Play Therapy and Music Therapy. suggests a great home-made play dough recipe.
“The team in educational play therapy use play dough a great deal, especially with patients who would benefit from some gross and fine motor development. It’s simple, easy to make and non toxic. Great for all ages!”
Play dough recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups plain flour
- 1 cup salt
- 3 tablespoons cream of tartar
- 2 cups boiling water
- 2 tablespoons oil
- Food colouring
Method
- Sift all dry ingredients into a large mixing bowl and stir.
- In a jug, mix water, oil and food colouring of choice.
- Add the coloured water mix to the mixing bowl bit by bit, stirring as you go.
- Kneed until smooth.
- Enjoy!