How to Start a Play Group

Create the social and academic interactions you want your child to experience by starting your own play group. Not only will you introduce your child to important peer relations, you will establish a parent support group of your very own.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Diaper Bags
• Address Books
• Answering Machines
• Calendars
• Personal Organizers

1. Decide why you want to set up a play group for your child. Do you want your child to learn to cooperate, or to be secure with other adults? Do you want your child to learn basic preschool skills? Do you want social interaction for yourself and your child, or do you want to be able to drop off your child for a morning or afternoon out?
2. Introduce yourself to parents at your church, at the park and in your neighborhood who have children the same age as yours. Talk to them about their children and what they would like in a play group. Look for enthusiastic parents who want the same results from a play group as you do.
3. Decide who you would like to invite to your play group. Organize a time when all of the parents and children can meet. Watch how the children and parents interact. Is the size of the group too large or too small? Do the children and parents get along with each other?
4. Meet with the other parents several times to discuss the activities you want your children to engage in. Will it be a drop-off or parent-child play group? What days and times are best? Will the play group be at one location or rotating locations? How will activities be planned, and who will plan them? Will you use each other's toys and games or pitch in for specific activities?
5. Prepare your home prior to your guests' arrival if the play group is to be held at your house. Perform a thorough safety check of the room the children will play in, and provide seating for the parents. Arrange the toys and games the children will play with, and remove anything fragile.

Tips & Warnings

• Preschool children benefit from small, loosely structured play groups.
• Provide a list of emergency names and numbers if you choose a drop-off program.
• Bring a light snack and drink for your child, as well as diapering supplies.
• Research the types of games and activities that are appropriate for the age of your play group. Toys and activities that are too easy or too difficult for the children you invite will make play frustrating and unpleasant.
• Remind parents not to attend the play group if they or their children are sick.
• Cancel play group at your house if anyone in your family is sick.