Children’s Week 2024: Celebrated from October 19th to 27th, Children’s Week is a special time to recognise the rights of all children and to celebrate their potential to thrive through play, creativity, and exploration. It’s a week filled with fun, family-friendly events and activities that encourage children and their families to connect, learn, and grow together.

Check out the Meerilinga Children’s Week WA page for more information about local events and how you can get involved.

A child’s right to DISCOVER: your child has the right to find out things and share what they think with others

Nature Treasure Hunt

A nature sensory walk is a great way to foster discovery. Encourage children to explore their surroundings by touching leaves, smelling flowers, or listening to birds. Caregivers can help children gather safe items like leaves or pinecones to touch and talk about, supporting sensory development.

A child’s right to PLAY: your child has the right to learn through play

DIY Playdough Playtime

Playdough offers open-ended play that allows children to use their imagination and creativity. It supports their right to play while developing fine motor skills.

Ingredients

• 2 cups boiling water
• 1 cup table salt
• Food colouring
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 2 cups plain flour
• 4 tsp cream of tartar

Method

• In jug, stir boiling water and salt, add food colouring and oil
• In bowl, mix flour and cream of tartar, mix wet ingredients with dry in bowl
• Wait for mixture to cool slightly & knead – play!

A child’s right to SPEAK: your child has the right to give their opinion and for their contribution to be valued and listened to

Feelings Faces

Help your little one express their emotions with this simple and fun craft! Using paper plates, draw different expressions like happy, sad, or surprised. Let your child use markers and stickers to decorate each face and make it their own. As you create, talk with your child about what each expression means and what kinds of things might make them feel that way. It’s a great way to help children understand their emotions and practice sharing their feelings, supporting their right to speak and be heard.

A child’s right to be SAFE: your child has the right to be protected from hurt and mistreatment

Safe Spaces Blanket Fort

Create a cozy blanket fort with your child using blankets, pillows, and chairs. Once inside, talk about what makes them feel safe and secure. Encourage them to add their favourite toys or drawings to personalise the space. It’s a comforting way to teach them about their right to feel safe while sharing special moments together during Children’s Week!

A child’s right to be HEALTHY: your child has the right to be active, have a creative mind and eat foods that make them grow strong & give them energy

Healthy Food Plate Puzzle

Teach your child about balanced eating with this fun activity! Draw a plate on paper, dividing it into sections like fruits, veggies, and proteins. Help your child cut out food pictures from magazines and glue them into the right sections. It’s a playful way to learn about healthy choices and their right to be healthy during Children’s Week!

You can learn more about the rights of the child as outlined by the United Nations through the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. This convention highlights important rights such as the right to play, be heard, feel safe, and grow up healthy—core themes of our activities for Children’s Week.