HIPPY stands for Home Interaction Programme for Parents and Youngsters. It is an in-home programme, which supports parents to be their child’s first teacher. Tutors (who are trained parents on the programme) visit parents weekly to roleplay the weeks’ workbook of activities and then leave the parent to work with their own child on a range of simple yet fun activities for approximately 15 minutes a day.
Activities include reading and maths readiness, handwriting and problem solving. They are easy enough for children to enjoy and feel confident to try while developing skills including listening, logical thinking, spatial perception and social skills. HIPPY is especially good for children with speech and language issues as the activities are done regularly, are fun and offer opportunities for language in a meaningful and child-focussed context.
As well as having a tutor visit parents at home, there are fortnightly group meetings where all of the HIPPY parents are invited to come along to the Parakai School hall to roleplay together, hear speakers on a range of health, education and community support, join in a craft activity and share morning tea.
Children need to be between 3 ½ and 4 ½ to be enrolled on the programme, the fees are only $30 per year and the programme is for two years covering the child’s preschool year and first year at school. HIPPY kids stand out in classrooms as they are confident, have great listening skills and enjoy learning!
If you have a HIPPY age child and would like to know more about enrolling your child phone Bernie Malizia on 09 420 7434 or text her on 021 0220 6017.
HIPPY tutor Chelsea Freeman demonstrating how to make cheap and healthy family meals at a group meeting