Toy library workshops coming to schools near you

“We can help schools and families see how small changes – like sharing toys and protecting time for play – can have a lasting impact.”

So says Jill Kennon, whose Carrickmacross Toy Library has partnered with Kingspan on a new ‘Play Pledge’ series of toy workshops .

In its pilot phase for now, Jill’s team will deliver interactive workshops to primary school children, introducing them to the lifecycle of a toy and encouraging early understanding of concepts like reuse, sharing and waste reduction.

Across 20 locations at first, the workshops will introduce children to circular principles through crafts, exploring how items are constructed, and even making their own toys.

“Lastly, we ask the teacher to announce their ‘play pledge’ which is a specific commitment to including more free play in their weekly/monthly timetable,” said Jill.

 “This project allows us to connect sustainability, circular thinking and play in a way that is meaningful for young children.”

The pilot is currently fully booked, with a waiting list of schools being created for future projects such as this.

The initiative adds to an expanding educational offering to schools about toy reuse and repair, including the Rediscovery Centre Toy Repair Workshops developed in partnership with Jiminy Eco Toys under The Big Toy Swap initiative (find out more here), and the Toy Library swap and play events (find out more here)