Session Structure
Each day manages their time at Playgroup in whatever manner suits them and the ages of the children attending on the day. Here are two sample routines for running a Playgroup that might give you some ideas about structuring your own session. One provides a simple structure allowing lots of time for free play and would be best suited to young toddlers and babies, the other is much more detailed and offers a greater amount of structure and would be best suited for older children (3+)
Session Structure 1 (Babies and young toddlers)
| 10am | Hellos, indoor and outdoor play areas and a few activities set up, free play |
| 10:30am | Morning tea |
| 11:00 | Craft |
| 11:30 | Free Play |
| 11:50 | Story/ music time |
| 12:00 | Pack away. Clean up and good byes |
Session Structure 2 (Age 3+)
In order for this structure to work it is important that all parents assist in some capacity eg; run a station, encourage children to participate, clean up, keep an eye on time.
| 10am | CRAFT AND FREE PLAY Craft set up at tables ready for children to create something. |
| 10.30am | MORNING TEA Craft packed up and morning tea put out for children and adults. |
| 11.00am | ACTIVITY STATIONS Morning tea packed up, while other adults run a group activity with children. Activity stations should then be set up by some parents (when others are finishing morning tea) to allow children to have a variety of things to play with. Also this ensures we use all of our equipment. Activity ideas that best utilize our equipment Blocks station Pretend play – dress up hats, kitchen play, tool benches, car garage, doctors kit Water play – water course with floating toys Art work – crayons, textas, painting on easels |
| 11.30am | GROUP PARENT RUN ACTIVITIES Ideas for group activities Music time – songs, dancing, parachute games, karaoke Outdoor time – Nature walk, obstacle course, bikes Games – Musical chairs, What’s the time Mr Wolf, etc Parachute Games (See parachute book in white cupboard for ideas) |
| 11.50am | STORY TIME One parent to read a story while other parents to ensure hall is clean and children are participating in storytime. |
| 12.00m | CONCLUSION OF PLAYGROUP |
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