Fun, friendship and skill building for kids these holidays
Looking for school holiday activities for kids in Charlestown or Newcastle that combine fun, social connection and developmental support? EduCare is offering two Spring School Holiday Social Groups that help children build communication, coordination and confidence in a relaxed environment. These sessions are facilitated by our Occupational Therapy and Speech Pathology teams, using play‑based methods supported by child development research.1 & 2
Why Play-Based Holiday Groups Matter
Play gives children a natural context to practise social language, turn taking and emotional regulation while engaging their curiosity. In fact, research consistently shows that play supports social‑emotional development, language growth and problem solving.1 Furthermore, these benefits align with the goals of our holiday groups and the way Occupational Therapists and Speech Pathologists help children participate in everyday routines.2
Mini Golf Social Group: Skills Through Movement
Mini golf is more than a game. It provides repeated practice of hand eye coordination, motor planning and graded control of force and angle. According to meta analyses, exercise‑based interventions can improve hand eye coordination and fine motor skills in children when intensity and total intervention time are adequate.5
In addition, mini golf encourages patience and teamwork, offering a low pressure way for children to connect with peers while staying active.6 This combination of physical and social challenges makes mini golf an ideal activity for building confidence and cooperation.
Skills practised in Mini Golf
- Aiming and putting for hand eye coordination and motor control 5
- Planning and problem solving when choosing shot direction and navigating obstacles 6
- Social communication through turn taking, waiting, sportsmanship and encouragement 6
Creative Painting Group: Expression Through Art
Creative painting sessions allow children to explore colour, texture and process in a calm, imaginative setting. Visual art activities can support fine motor skills, language development and emotional expression. Research shows creative arts interventions are feasible and acceptable for children with speech, language and communication difficulties, with perceived benefits for emotional expression and relatedness.7
Moreover, a meta analysis associates active visual art therapy with improvements across health outcomes in diverse populations.8 Developmental literature also highlights the role of art in fine motor control and expressive language.11 These findings reinforce why art is such a powerful tool for therapy.
Skills practised in Creative Painting
- Fine motor control through brush and tool use that supports handwriting readiness 11
- Descriptive language and storytelling as children share ideas about their artwork 11
- Emotional awareness and regulation through symbolic expression in a supportive space 7 & 8
Why Combine Occupational Therapy and Speech Pathology?
Our Occupational Therapists focus on sensory, motor and environmental factors that influence participation in social play. Meanwhile, our Speech Pathologists scaffold pragmatic language, conversational turn taking and negotiation skills. This interprofessional approach aligns with guidance on social‑emotional learning in school‑aged practice.2 & 10
Evidence supports this model. Group‑based social skills programs show positive effects on social responsiveness in autism spectrum conditions, especially when parent components and sufficient session dose are included.3 Similarly, small group speech therapy can be as effective as individual therapy for expressive language when sessions are clinician designed and goal driven.4 Peer‑mediated social interventions also demonstrate moderate evidence for improving play and communication in conditions such as ADHD.9
Program Details
Mini Golf Social Group
When: Thursday 2 October, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Where: Indoor venue (details provided upon registration)
Focus: Social communication, motor coordination, teamwork
Creative Painting Group
When: Wednesday 8 October, 2025
Time: 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Where: EduCare Charlestown
Focus: Fine motor skills, communication, creative expression
How to Register
Register by Thursday 25 September. Spaces are limited, so early registration is recommended.
Cost: Varies depending on the number of clinicians and participants in each group.
Contact EduCare
Phone: (02) 4943 4444
Email: office@educare.net.au
Enquiry form: www.educare.net.au/contact-us
Address: Level 3, 28–38 Smart Street, Charlestown, NSW 2298
Prefer to speak with someone? Our friendly team is happy to help with bookings and questions. Call now!
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What ages are the Spring School Holiday Social Groups suitable for?
These groups are suitable for primary school aged children. We form groups based on age, goals and learning needs so each child can participate comfortably. If you are unsure whether the group is the right fit, contact our team and we will discuss your child’s needs.
2) Who facilitates the sessions?
Sessions are facilitated by EduCare’s Occupational Therapists and Speech Pathologists. Activities are designed to support communication, social participation and motor skills through play‑based learning.
3) What skills does the Mini Golf Social Group target?
Children practise hand eye coordination, planning and problem solving while building social communication skills such as turn taking, waiting, sportsmanship and teamwork.
4) What skills does the Creative Painting Group target?
Children practise fine motor control, descriptive language and storytelling. Art making also provides a supportive way to explore emotions and share ideas with peers.
5) Where are the groups held?
Mini Golf Social Group is held at an indoor venue. Details are provided after registration. Creative Painting Group is held at EduCare Charlestown.
6) How long are the sessions and what is the schedule?
Mini Golf Social Group runs Thursday 2 October from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Creative Painting Group runs Wednesday 8 October from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM.
7) How many places are available and what does it cost?
Places are limited to keep groups small and focused. Costs vary depending on the number of clinicians and participants. Contact our office for current pricing and availability.
8) Can parents attend or wait onsite?
Parents and carers are welcome to wait onsite. Our team provides a short handover after sessions so families know what was practised and how to support carryover at home.
9) What should my child bring?
Comfortable clothing, closed‑toe shoes for mini golf, a water bottle and any communication or sensory supports they routinely use. All art materials for the Creative Painting Group are provided.
10) How do you match children to the right group?
If necessary, we can complete a brief intake or screening call to understand your child’s goals and preferences, then place them in a group that best matches age and skill focus.
11) Can funding be used for these therapy groups?
Some families use therapy funding when group activities align with their child’s goals. Please speak with our admin team and your support coordinator about your plan and eligibility.
About EduCare
EduCare provides family‑centred therapy for children, including Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Behaviour Support, Psychology, Psychiatry and Neurology. We focus on participation, confidence and communication in everyday settings, with practical goals developed in partnership with families.10
References
- Schlesinger, M. A., Hassinger‑Das, B., Zosh, J. M., Sawyer, J., Evans, N., & Hirsh‑Pasek, K. (2020). Cognitive behavioral science behind the value of play. Journal of Infant, Child, and Adolescent Psychotherapy, 19(2), 202–216. https://doi.org/10.1080/15289168.2020.1755084
- American Occupational Therapy Association. Social and Emotional Learning — Occupational Therapy’s Role. https://www.aota.org/-/media/Corporate/Files/Practice/Children/SchoolMHToolkit/Social-and-Emotional-Learning-Info-Sheet.pdf
- Wolstencroft, J., Robinson, L., Srinivasan, R., Kerry, E., Mandy, W., & Skuse, D. (2018). A systematic review of group social skills interventions, and meta‑analysis of outcomes, for children with high‑functioning ASD. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 48(7), 2293–2307. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-018-3485-1
- ASHA Evidence Map. Efficacy of group versus individual therapy for receptive and expressive language, ages 6 to 12. https://apps.asha.org/EvidenceMaps/Articles/ArticleSummary/0df84b9b-0183-4e99-89a7-478ad3de1f0d
- Hou, W., Zhou, S., Song, X., & Xiangqin, S. (2025). Effects of exercise interventions on hand‑eye coordination and fine motor skills in children with developmental coordination disorder, a meta‑analysis. Frontiers in Physiology, 16. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2025.1689256
- Country Home Learning Center. Build hand‑eye coordination with mini golf. https://countryhomelearningcenter.com/mini-golf-fun-way-build-hand-eye-coordination/
- Léger‑Goodes, T., Herba, C. M., Moula, Z., et al. (2024). Feasibility, acceptability, and perceived benefits of a creative arts intervention for elementary school children living with speech, language and communication disorders. Frontiers in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 3. https://doi.org/10.3389/frcha.2024.1322860
- Joschko, R., Klatte, C., Grabowska, W. A., et al. (2024). Active visual art therapy and health outcomes, a systematic review and meta‑analysis. JAMA Network Open, 7(9), e2428709. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.28709
- Fox, A., Dishman, S., Valicek, M., Ratcliff, K., & Hilton, C. (2020). Effectiveness of social skills interventions incorporating peer interactions for children with ADHD, a systematic review. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 74(2), 7402180070p1–7402180070p19. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2020.040212
- American Occupational Therapy Association. Occupational Therapy’s Role with Children and Youth, Fact Sheet. https://irp.cdn-website.com/de1c86c3/files/uploaded/Children%20and%20Youth%20fact%20sheet%20AOTA.pdf
- Mishra, R. (2025). Importance of art and drawing in child development. IJFMR. https://www.ijfmr.com/papers/2025/5/58467.pdf
