A TURNKEY PROGRAM

Little Hearts Playgroup is a collection of sixty sessions spread over the course of three years! Those who wish to embark on the program will benefit from a complete package containing all the necessary tools. Everything is written down. Everything is well explained. It is a “turnkey” program. Our documents are available in electronic format only and may be downloaded from our Internet Website.

START-UP GUIDE

Prior to beginning a Little Hearts Playgroup program in your area, it is very important to be well prepared. The success of the program will depend on this planning! We have written a guide containing all the information necessary to assist with the start-up and implementation of a Little Hearts Playgroup. In the guide you will find the information you need with respect to advertising, financing, the required material as well as a description of the makeup of the ideal team to start a program. These guidelines and suggestions are drawn from our experience.

The Start-up Guide may be printed in PDF format. In order that you may easily personalize your letters and advertising, we have also included Word versions of certain documents.

THE ANIMATION GUIDE – YEAR 1

This guide is constructed in the same manner for the three years of animation. It is divided into four sections.

SECTION 1: UNDERSTANDING THE PROGRAM

Philosophy, objectives, characteristics + Information regarding the animation and management of the program

The first section of the Animation Guide explains the philosophy and objectives of Little Hearts Playgroup and gives various advice regarding implementation and administration of the program.

Before embarking on the actual program, a deep understanding and appreciation of this section is essential to the ultimate success of your Little Hearts Playgroup.

SECTION 2: THE 20 PASTORAL ACTIVITIES

This section contains a detailed description of the 20 Pastoral Activities per year of the program. For each Pastoral Activity, the downloadable PDF document contains:

DOWNLOAD SAMPLE

  • Description of the Animation
    • Preparations for the activity
    • Presentation to the parents
    • Children’s animation + description and image of the visual support
    • Songs : the lyrics to the songs and the introductory texts
    • Arts and crafts:
      • Picture of the craft
      • Link with the theme
      • Materials needed
      • Preparations
      • Instructions to finish the craft
    • Instructions regarding what to say and what to give to each participant at the end of the activity.
  • Texts and Patterns needed
  • The documents to give to the parents
    • The Parents’ Leaflet: an ESSENTIAL tool to help parents pursue the awakening of their child’s faith at home
      • An explanation on how the theme encourages faith awakening.
      • The mini-catechesis that was given to the children. This section helps parents to develop a vocabulary adapted to the little ones.
      • A section that allows parents to reflect on their own faith so as to live it with their family.
      • Prayers to say with the children.
      • Biblical references.

      This leaflet encourages and helps parents to play their important role as first educators of the faith. Let’s make sure we make it available to them!

    • A word for those parents who could not be present at the activitySome children attend the program accompanied by a grandparent or, more rarely, by a person other than a relative. We have created notes to send home to the parents who were absent in order that they may become familiar with what their child has done during the session, to spark their curiosity and to incite them to read the Parents’ Leaflet.

SAMPLE AVAILABLE

SECTION 3:THE AUDIO RECORDINGS OF THE SONGS OF Little Hearts Playgroup

Performed by the Boulva-Gubany family, these home recordings will allow the activity leaders to familiarize themselves with the songs for each year of the program.

SECTION 4: CELEBRATING THE CHILDREN’S BIRTHDAYS

For each of the three years of the program, we have suggestions for original ways to celebrate the children’s birthdays.

FORMATION SESSIONS

We are always available to give free information and formation sessions in dioceses. If you are interested, please contact us at 514-334-5521.

This formation can be of interest to a variety of publics:

  •      People who do not know Little Hearts Playgroup or know little about it will discover the philosophy of this new evangelization path for young families, while becoming accustomed to its all-inclusive resources.
  •      People looking to motivate volunteers to facilitate Little Hearts Playgroup in their area can invite people likely to help them: this is a very effective means to create interest!
  •      Those who already have the resources but have never received formation will discover, in just a few hours, everything regarding facilitation, setting and other specific features of this parent-child activity. They can ask questions and receive advice.

Formation content :

  • You will discover the philosophy, objectives, resources and themes of Little Hearts Playgroup, along with the information you need to introduce the program in your parish.
  • The creators of the program will lead you through a Little Hearts Playgroup session, enabling you to understand its distinctive features.
  • You will better understand :
    • Why young families are so enthusiastic about this program;
    • How the program manages to reach out to parents in the midst of their daily life and faith life;
    • What key conditions will guarantee your success in introducing the program in your area;
    • Why participating parents are more open to subsequent faith formation programs.

The team will be happy to answer all your questions!

To register

Contact Christiane Boulva

Please give the following information:

  •   Your name, and your parish or diocese
  •   The number of people joining you
  •   Your phone number, postal address, and email address
  •   Thank you for indicating if you already have our animation kit