Ideas for Starting Your Own Toddler Playgroup

Your toddler is a busy child, walking, running, exploring new sights, sounds and tastes. At this developmental stage it is a great time to bring your child into a group of children close to his own age for socializing and just having fun. But sometimes it's hard to find a playgroup for your child to participate in. Many times these groups are already established and full to capacity. So, why not start a group of your own?

What type of group do you want?

First, decide what type of group you are interested in starting. Do you want a casual playgroup where the children play, supervised by parents, while the parents chat and exchange ideas? Or do you want more structure where you plan to have activities, a reading circle, songs and snack? Will you want to meet each week, bi-weekly or monthly? Do you want to take turns at each parent's house or meet in a public place like a park or community center room? Consider all your options first before you decide and then you will know exactly what you want to do when you start to recruit parents.

Finding members

The easiest way is to ask friends with toddlers to join and they can ask other friends of theirs. If you don't know any other parents or you are new to the area, try putting up posters at your local supermarket, church or advertise in your local parent's paper. You'll be surprised at how many parents will respond.

Make sure to set a limit on how many children and parents join the group. Usually 3-6 are more than enough with busy toddlers.

Set-up

At your first meeting, talk with the parents about what they would like to get out of the group. Decide on how many times a month the group will meet and on what day. Usually, once a week is best for young children so they will feel more comfortable with the other children the more they see them. Set up a schedule for home rotations or decide on an alternate location. Set a start and end time for the group and try to stick to it. If a group lingers on it may stress the person who is hosting it or tired children will become cranky. One and one-half hours to two hours is plenty of time for a group of toddlers.

Decide on appropriate snacks and make up a schedule for who will bring them and when. Most importantly, make up a policy on illnesses. Impress upon parents that a child with a cold or other illness should stay home until he is well so the other children don't get the cold too.

Structure

If you are planning on having a casual group, then plan to set up a safe area of toys where the children can play and interact while the parents watch. Each parent should be responsible for her child's safety and not expect the other parents to watch their child. This way parents can still talk among themselves while watching the children.

A structured group may be more desirable because toddlers need to be kept busy or they become bored. An example on one way to structure your group would be:

Start the group in a circle with toddlers sitting in their parent's lap. Begin singing a song, either one that each person introduces himself or a playing song like Itsy-Bitsy Spider. This will get everyone warmed up and ready to begin the next activity.

Plan ahead for a simple craft or activity like coloring and have a table set up in advance. Try Play-Doh, or tracing shapes or any other activity suitable for toddlers. Parents should sit with their child and participate with them. This teaches your child to interact in an activity with a group. Try to stay away from messy projects with glue or paint. Save those for older children.

Next you could try a few minutes of free time. Have a spot set up with different toys for the children to play with. This is a good way for young children to begin learning the skills of playing together and sharing.

Snack time would be a good idea next. It is always best to have snack time before the children become so hungry they get cranky. Set up a spot for the children to eat their snack, either a table or picnic-style on the floor on a mat or blanket. Healthy snacks are best, like cut-up apples, pears, or crackers with cheese. Try using small milk cartons or juice boxes instead of cups so there is less chance of spilling.

A reading circle is a good activity after snack. Each parent should sit with his or her own child in a circle around that week's reader. Fun books like The Cat in the Hat or Green Eggs and Ham are good because children love rhyming books. Choosing a book with colorful, enticing pictures and a fun, short story is best for this age group. When the story is finished it is a good time to draw the day to a close. Stay in your reading circle and try singing another song to signal that group time is almost over. Children will get used to the routine of the group and begin to feel comfortable because of it.

Clean up

Before leaving, involve your child and yourself in the clean up. Let children pick up stray toys and place them in designated places while you help with the messier spots. The host of the group for that week will be grateful for you help and this teaches children the responsibility of being helpful.

Starting your own toddler playgroup can be rewarding in many ways, not only for your child but for you, too. You will develop a wonderful support group of parents while nurturing new friendships for your child. You are sure to make lifetime friends while supplying your child with many hours of learning and fun.