Songs, snacks and playtime for Ottawa's youngest Syrian refugees

Four times a week, some of Ottawa's youngestSyrian refugees gather at a downtown hotel for songs, snacks, painting and playtime.

The playgroupat the Radisson Hotel is organized by local community health centresand supervisedby early childhood educators.

Its goal is to improve the social, emotional and language skills of the young refugees many of whom are living in local hotels while their families wait for housing andalso reducetheir isolation.

Ottawa Morning'sHallieCotnamstopped by to meet some of the children.

"This is a great first step for these families who are just learning the language and learning the culture," said Kim Vandermeerof the Somerset West Community Health Centre, one of the organizing groups.

"I think almost anything can be done through play. That's the importance of the playgroup. When you play, you learn."

For sounds from the playgroup, listen below or if you're on mobile, click here.