Setting Up Play Groups
by Dorothy Labensohn
WHAT IS A PLAY GROUP?
A play group consists of several preschool children meeting regularly at
each other's homes to play, with the parent in that home planning
activities and supervising the group. Planned to meet the needs of the
children, it is not primarily a babysitting arrangement. It does provide
some free time for parents when their children are in other people's homes.
Half-day groups usually are best for preschool children, and once or twice
a week may be better than daily. This will depend on individual needs.
WHO IS IN A PLAY GROUP?
Play groups can be set up to meet a variety of children's needs. Perhaps
your child is an only child and not used to having to share an adult's time
with other children. Perhaps your child is shy and would benefit from being
with a small group of children before the more formal experience of school.
Perhaps your community has no pre-school, and you feel your child would
benefit from the stimulation of other children and other adults.
It may be best if the children are as close in age as possible. The
difference in development between two-, three-, and four-year-olds can make
planning complicated. If there are different ages of children in your play
group, you will have to plan accordingly.
If you have other children close in age to the children in the play group,
this shouldn't present too much of a problem. If you have an infant or
young toddler, you might well consider "trading off" the young child with
another play group parent or neighbor.
The size of the group should be small. Parents should decide on numbers.
Perhaps four three--year-olds might be large enough. Four-year-olds are
more independent and if all are willing, five or six might be a good
number. Six should be a maximum number.
VALUE OF PLAY GROUPS FOR CHILDREN
A play group offers the child many opportunities
- They get used to being away from parents and being with other adults.
- They learn how to get along with other children.
- They learn more about being independent.
- They develop self-confidence.
- They develop a feeling of being in a group.
- They have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of activities.
- They have fun.
ORGANIZING A PLAY GROUP
Once you have identified the reason why your child would benefit from a
play group, set out to find other parents with similar age children who
might be interested. It is important that the parents who will be involved
are as interested as you are and have similar goals for the group.
Enthusiastic parents will provide for an enriching play group experience
for their children.
Play group parents should meet and discuss their goals, plan schedules, and
share information about their children. You may decide that you would like
to have a basic plan that you all will follow when it is your day for the
play group, or you may decide that each parent plans the day as he or she
would like to. Either way, the special interests and talents that parents
in your group have can be of benefit to the children. What is important is
that you all agree on some basics that will meet your needs and the needs
of your children.
Each parent should have a list of emergency phone numbers for each child
and a medical release form for the doctor or the hospital authorizing the
play group parent to sign in case of an emergency.
GETTING STARTED
Some of the children and parents may not know each other. Spend time
talking to your child about the play group. Arrange for a meeting of the
parents and children to get to know each other. This may be an informal
afternoon at someone's house for refreshments and playtime or a more
special outing like a picnic. Whatever your plan, provide ample opportunity
for parents and children to get to know each other.
Your child may be hesitant about your leaving the first time the play group
meets. This is certainly not unusual. Preparing your child in advance may
help. Staying a little while or perhaps the entire first session may help.
You may decide as a group that parents will stay for the first session at
each new house, retreating into the background as the session progresses.
This may provide the support your child needs. It is important for the
child to feel secure and know that you will be there when it's time to go
home.
PLANNING PLAY GROUP ACTIVITIES
It is important to keep in mind the original reason for establishing a play
group and to remember that your group is an informal one, not meant to be a
formal preschool.
A play group session should provide for the needs of the children, include
a balance of quiet and active indoor and outdoor activities, and provide
opportunities for rest or nap and snacks.
Two resource books that may prove helpful are:
The Playgroup Handbook Laura Peabody Broad & Nancy Towner Butterworth.
New York: St. Martin's Press, 1974.
The Playgroup Book Mary Winn & Mary Ann Porcher. New York: MacMillan
Co., 1967.
A play group experience can be a valuable part of your child's life. When
well organized and planned, it can be an enriching experience for you and
your family.
Dorothy Labensohn is a
Family Life Extension Specialist in the
Human Development and Family Studies Department at
Iowa State University
Reprinted with permission from the National Network for Child Care
© 1985 Labensohn, D. Setting up play groups (Pm-796e) (Choosing Care for Your Children series). Ames, IA: Iowa State University Extension.
