Shared Experiences : Wonder Arts 9am and 10:30am

What is the value of Group Experiences with Toddlers and Pre-Schoolers?

In my planning, I set out many experiences for the children that they can work on Individually. 
Some children do not yet feel comfortable with Group Set Ups (I used to call these arrangements Cooperative Learning Groups, before I realized that Most often, Cooperation was not the goal of the children ;) ).  Sometimes, it's overwhelming to be in close proximity with other children.

My main goal is ALWAYS to show the children respect.

I feel that I can achieve that with a careful design of experiences that might be done TOGETHER or experiences that allow the child some separation.

Side by Side

Alone or...

With a Friend... OR...

With 2 Friends...

And when it feels like enough...the child has the option to return to a more solitary endeavor.

The value in these "Group" experiences; and Yes, YOU, the adult are a valued part of the "Group...
The value lies in the opportunity...

An opportunity to not just DO an Activity (I don't use the word Activity very often, you may notice)

But to Share an Experience Together...



And while, sometimes these Shared Experiences lead to NOT Sharing, taking, grabbing, etc... 
They do afford an opportunity for your child to Practice and experience the pleasures of a truly Shared experience.

While, it's great to Share a Toy...

It can change your life to Share an Experience.




It's really easy to "Over Parent" your child right past these opportunities for Group Learning.  
By Stepping back just a little, giving your child some Time to have these Experiences without your judgement will allow your child some time to form their own judgments.