Sustainable play and the magic of toy libraries

Sustainable play and the magic of toy libraries

Nov 4, 2025 | Play and Learning Activities, Sustainability and environment

This November, families in the Toowoomba region have a chance to celebrate World Sustainable Toy Day 2025 at the Kath Dickson Toy Library — and discover how the simple act of play can shape a more sustainable future for our children.

Why sustainable play matters

From the moment children begin to explore the world, play is how they learn, create, and connect. It’s also one of the first ways they experience consumption — and that’s why starting sustainable habits early matters.

In Australia, the average child owns more than 100 toys, yet many end up broken, unused, or discarded long before their potential is realised. Sustainable play teaches children that joy and imagination don’t depend on buying new things — they come from curiosity, creativity, and connection.

When we show our children that fun can come from sharing, reusing, and repurposing, we nurture both their environmental awareness and their sense of community. It’s not just play — it’s a powerful lesson in caring for the planet and for each other.

The magic of creative, conscious play

Sustainable play begins with creativity. A cardboard box can become a rocket ship. An old yoghurt tub can transform into a drum. Recycled materials — from bottle tops to fabric scraps — invite children to dream, problem-solve, and build their own worlds.

This kind of open-ended play builds imagination, resilience, and confidence — essential skills for young children in their early years.

Why Toy Libraries matter

Toy libraries are at the heart of sustainable play. They give families the freedom to enjoy variety and discovery without the waste or the cost.

Here’s why families love being part of a Toy Library:

🌱 It’s sustainable. Borrowing instead of buying means fewer toys in landfill and more resources shared within the community.
💰 It’s affordable. Access a wide range of quality toys without the financial pressure of constantly purchasing new ones.
🧸 It’s educational. Toy libraries carefully select toys that promote learning, creativity, and skill development through play.
👨‍👩‍👧 It’s community. Families connect, share experiences, and find support — creating a network of like-minded parents who value both play and the planet.
🔍 It’s practical. Try out toys before you buy, helping you discover what truly engages your child.

As our Toy Library Coordinator, Trish Mullins, explains:

“We want families to see that you don’t have to buy new toys to have fun. With a few recycled bits and a big imagination, you can create something wonderful together — and help the planet at the same time.”

Come and celebrate with us

Join us for a hands-on, family-friendly event that combines creativity, sustainability, and community. We’ll be crafting toys from recycled materials, sharing play ideas, and enjoying a relaxed morning tea together.

Event details:
🗓 Friday 21 November 2025
🕤 9.30am – 11.30am
📍 Kath Dickson Toy Library, 1 Littleton Street, Crows Nest
💰 Free | Morning tea provided

Whether you’re a long-time Toy Library member or curious to learn more, this is the perfect opportunity to see how borrowing toys can inspire big imaginations and small footprints.

Let’s show our children that play can be fun, imaginative, and kind to the planet!

Find out more about the event
Find out more about the Toy Library
Celebrating community kindness: A heartfelt thank you to the Toowoomba Women’s Shed

Celebrating community kindness: A heartfelt thank you to the Toowoomba Women’s Shed

May 16, 2025 | Early childhood, Play and Learning Activities

At Kath Dickson Family Centre, we are continually reminded of the incredible generosity that exists within our local community—and this week was no exception.

Our team at Kath Dickson Toowoomba Central were absolutely delighted to receive a beautiful donation of hand-crafted toys and dress-up costumes from the wonderful members of the Toowoomba Women’s Shed. Their thoughtful gifts have brought an extra spark of imagination and joy to the children in our care.

From colourful costumes to lovingly made wooden toys, the new additions have already become favourites in our play spaces. The children have been busy dressing up, building, exploring, and creating—all the while developing their confidence, social skills, and creativity through play.

These kinds of donations don’t just add to our resources, they deepen the connections between generations and show our children the true meaning of community. Knowing that these items were made and shared with such care and purpose makes them even more special.

To the Women’s Shed, we say thank you. Your generosity and kindness have made a real difference, and your contribution will be treasured by many little hands and hearts for a long time to come.

We feel so fortunate to be part of a community that values connection, creativity, and care.

FREE RESOURCE Pattern Cards

FREE RESOURCE Pattern Cards

Sep 13, 2024 | Early childhood, Play and Learning Activities

Looking for a fun and educational activity for your pre-schooler? Download our free PDF resource that uses the slotted flower construction toy to help children practice copying, continuing, and creating their own repeating patterns!

Copying, continuing, and creating patterns are essential building blocks for early maths skills. Patterns help children understand sequences, predict outcomes, and develop problem-solving abilities.

Through copying, continuing and creating patterns, they develop the following skills:

  • Copying patterns. When children replicate patterns, they’re practicing observation and attention to detail.
  • Continuing patterns. Extending a pattern sharpens their ability to recognise regularities and make predictions
  • Mathematical Thinking. As they draw, children naturally engage with concepts like symmetry, size, and proportion, linking art with foundational maths skills.

Download the Flower Pattern Card >>

These cards are perfect for building early math skills — all while having fun! Simply download, print, and watch your child’s creativity and learning bloom!

Why we don’t like colouring-in

Why we don’t like colouring-in

Sep 11, 2024 | Early childhood, Play and Learning Activities

In this blog post we look at why colouring inside the lines of pre-printed colouring-in sheets could be holding your child back—and what to do instead!

While colouring-in, where children fill in pre-drawn outlines, can help with fine motor skills, it often leads to a focus on staying within the lines rather than exploring their own ideas and creativity. In this way, colouring-in activities can limit childrens’ creativity and self-expression.

When children engage in open-ended activities like free-drawing or painting, they make decisions about what to create and how to do it. This encourages critical thinking and problem-solving, which are essential skills in both early childhood education and later academic success.

Every child sees the world differently, and open-ended art activities allow them to express these unique perspectives. Instead of focusing on replicating someone else’s design, children are free to explore their ideas, which is more meaningful and developmentally appropriate.

In early childhood, the process of creating is far more valuable than the final product. Open-ended art activities help children learn that it’s okay to make mistakes and that there’s no “right” way to create art, fostering resilience and a love for learning.

Here are some practical ideas that you can incorporate into your daily routine:

  • Provide a simple still life setup, like a bunch of flowers, and encourage children to draw what they see.
  • Discuss the shapes, sizes, and patterns they notice in the flowers, integrating vocabulary that supports their understanding of maths concepts.
  • Celebrate childrens’ creativity and the different ways they represent the same objects.

Let’s encourage creativity beyond the lines!

Download the Drawing Infosheet >>

Creating a child safe environment

Creating a child safe environment

Sep 4, 2024 | Early education and care services, Training and professional development

This week, we join together for Child Protection Week, a time to focus on the vital role we all play in keeping children safe.

Every child deserves to grow up in an environment that’s nurturing, supportive, and free from harm. As educators, parents, and community members, it’s our responsibility to ensure that every child has the protection and care they need to thrive.

Child Protection Week reminds us of the importance of being vigilant, informed, and proactive in recognising the signs of abuse and neglect. It’s a call to action to create safer spaces, both physically and emotionally, for every child in our care.

For educators, this week is an opportunity to deepen your understanding of the critical role you play in child protection. We’ve put together a resource guide filled with valuable information and practical strategies to help you identify risks and take action when necessary.

Download the KDI Infosheet >>

This information sheet was prepared by our experienced early childhood trainers at Kath Dickson Institute. If you have any further questions after reading this guide, please do not hesitate to contact our Kath Dickson Institute Trainers on 1300 336 345 or speak with your Service Director.

Together, let’s build a community where every child feels safe, valued, and loved. 💙

For even more information and resources, visit the Child Protection Week website.

The importance of Book Week in early childhood

The importance of Book Week in early childhood

Aug 22, 2024 | Early childhood, Play and Learning Activities

Ah, Book Week—a time of excitement, creativity, and, let’s be honest, a bit of last-minute costume scrambling!

Whether you were the child dressed as a beloved character or, more recently, the parent hunting for costume ideas at the eleventh hour, Book Week holds a special place in our culture. But beyond the fun and costumes, Book Week has a much deeper significance in the development of young minds. So what is the importance of Book Week, particularly in early childhood?

Fostering a love of reading
Book Week provides an opportunity to introduce young children to the joys of reading in a celebratory and engaging way. By participating in reading activities, storytelling sessions, and book-themed events, children begin to associate reading with pleasure and adventure, laying the foundation for a lifelong love of books.

Enhancing language and literacy skills
Reading is a cornerstone of early childhood education, and Book Week plays a crucial role in enhancing language and literacy skills. Through exposure to a variety of books and stories, children expand their vocabulary, improve comprehension, and develop phonemic awareness. The rhythm, rhyme, and repetition found in many children’s books also aid in language development, making reading both a fun and educational experience.

Building imagination and creativity
Books are gateways to imagination, and Book Week allows children to explore new worlds, ideas, and perspectives. As they listen to or read stories, children learn to visualize characters, settings, and events, which stimulates their creativity. Dressing up as their favourite book characters or re-enacting scenes from stories further encourages imaginative play, an essential aspect of early childhood development.

Promoting cultural awareness and inclusivity
Book Week often features stories from a wide range of cultural backgrounds. By exploring books that reflect different cultures, traditions, and experiences, children gain a broader understanding of the world around them. This not only promotes inclusivity but also helps children appreciate the richness of Australia’s cultural tapestry, fostering empathy and respect for others.

Strengthening the bond between educators, families, and communities
Book Week is a time when educators, families, and communities come together to celebrate reading. Whether it’s through shared reading sessions, book parades, or community events, Book Week strengthens the connection between home and early learning environments. When families get involved, children see the value of reading both at home and in their educational settings, reinforcing positive reading habits.

So, while dressing up your child as their favourite character is undoubtedly a fun challenge, Book Week is about so much more than costumes. It’s about nurturing the readers of today and shaping the thinkers, dreamers, and creators of tomorrow. As educators and parents, we will continue to make Book Week a special time for our children, filled with stories that inspire, educate, and bring joy.

If you’re looking for some new books to add to your collection, check out the winners of the 2024 CBCA Book Of The Year Awards. Or you can choose a pre-loved treasure off our Toy Library’s book swap shelf.

Books available at the Toy Library
TOY LIBRARY
DID YOU KNOW…?
Our Toy Library in Crows Nest has a free library / book swap. No need to be a member, just pop in and take a book home!
Fun (and educational) rainy day activities

Fun (and educational) rainy day activities

Aug 14, 2024 | Play and Learning Activities

When the weather keeps you and your little ones indoors, it’s easy to feel stuck for ideas to keep them entertained. But rainy days can be the perfect opportunity for creative, fun, and educational activities.

Here are five ideas that not only keep your children engaged but also support their development.

1. Indoor Obstacle Course
Create an indoor obstacle course using pillows, blankets, and furniture. Encourage your child to crawl under tables, jump over cushions, and balance on lines of tape. This activity promotes physical development and gross motor skills.

2. Story Time Theatre
Choose a favourite book and act out the story. Use puppets, stuffed animals, or simple costumes, and encourage your child to play different roles. This type of storytelling enhances language development, imagination, and communication skills.

3. Building with Blocks
Whether using wooden blocks, LEGO, or cardboard boxes, building structures encourages spatial awareness and creativity. Challenge your child to build a tower, bridge, or castle. Talk through the process with them to support their cognitive development and problem-solving skills.

4. Puzzle Time
Gather age-appropriate puzzles and work on them together. Puzzles help develop hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, and problem-solving skills. They also encourage persistence and patience.

5. Create a Rainy Day Book
Grab some paper and crayons, and work together to create a story about the rainy day. Let your child dictate the story and draw pictures to go along with it. Creating a book encourages literacy, creativity, and fine motor development.

If all else fails, put on some music and have a dance party in the living room. Dancing is a great way for children to express themselves, enhance their physical coordination, and burn off energy.

Rainy days don’t have to be dreary! With a little creativity and these activity ideas, you can turn a wet day into an opportunity for learning and fun. So, next time the rain clouds roll in, embrace the indoor adventure!

If you’re in the Toowoomba region, consider joining our Toy Library in Crows Nest. We have lots of puzzles, games, blocks, and even obstacle courses that you can borrow, whatever the weather.

Discover the Toy Library >>

Stacking toys at the Kath Dickson Toy Library
TOY LIBRARY

Join our Toy Library in Crows Nest and you’ll have access to puzzles, games, blocks, role-play toys, obstacle courses and so much more!