DIAKONIA 2026 VOLUME 2
Bandar Puchong Gospel Centre (BPGC) Toddlers’ Playgroup
Ong Wai Ching (bpgc09@gmail.com)
BPGC Toddlers’ Playgroup is an outreach programme to the community around the Puchong area, targeting toddlers from the age of 2 – 3 years old. They must be accompanied by either parents or grandparents. The purpose is to get to know the parents, especially non-Christian parents. This also includes an intentional way of introducing the basic Bible truths through Bible stories, scripture verses and songs to the little ones. Our main purpose is to plant the seed of faith and to share God’s love to the children, and to channel them to Sunday School, and invite parents to our special meetings.
It is very encouraging to know that mothers continue to meet even after their children have left the Playgroup to attend kindergarten.
Thank God for a team of dedicated teachers and helpers for their passion in the Ministry. Without them, we cannot run this Ministry. Above all, we give Glory to God for His enablement, guidance and providence.
Feedback from a grandfather:
“A time to play, A time to learn. A time for bonding, A time for independence.”
About three years ago, a friend recommended a wonderful Toddler Playgroup to us, “BPGC Toddlers’ Playgroup”. We enrolled our first grandson, Dylan, and it was incredible to watch him flourish as he learned the nuances of playing, sharing, and interacting with others. He attended for two years starting at age two, and he has since transitioned into preschool. The difference is clear—he is remarkably confident, effortlessly mixing and sharing with the new friends he meets at school. Now, the journey comes full circle as his younger brother, Declan, has turned two and started at the very same playgroup this year.
What makes this place so unique is the requirement that a parent or grandparent must attend the sessions alongside the child. Far from a chore, I see this as invaluable bonding time. It creates a safe, nurturing environment where children are empowered to learn and excel on their own terms, entirely free from pressure.
The structure of these twice-weekly sessions is beautifully intentional, striking a perfect balance between active guidance and independent growth:
- Free Play (Active Guidance): We guide them through essential fine motor skills like pouring, scooping, and threading, while gently instilling the responsibility of returning learning materials to their proper places.
- Coffee Time cum Play Time (Stepping Back): While the adults take a short, well-deserved break to mingle with one another, the children are encouraged to step out of their comfort zones and explore their environment entirely independent of us.
- Circle & Story Time (Focus & Modelling): A gentle introduction to collective focus, where children learn to sit still, listen, and participate. As adults, our role here is to model engagement, refrain from personal conversations, and offer a calming presence if they feel overwhelmed.
Each session is rich with purposeful routines, from animated sing-alongs and creative craft work to dedicated play and snack times. Even basic hygiene is transformed into a delightful ritual; washing hands is taught through an engaging song with matching actions.
Furthermore, introducing the practice of pausing to pray and express gratitude before meals is a beautiful habit to instil at such a young age.
It is an absolute joy to watch the next generation take their first confident steps into the wider world. It reminds us that when it comes to growing up, there truly is a perfect season for everything.
Link to Videos:
