Hi, all.
It was a pleasure to talk about your children during our Fall conferences. At your conference, we may have suggested playdates. The face page we’ve sent home could be a great way to figure out who your child is referring to when they speak of others, or who they’d like to spend some time with outside of school. We may have provided some names at your conference. If you are curious to hear some suggestions, please let us know.
Playdates are a great way for kids to be able to spend some time one-on-one without the distractions and interruptions that can happen during our school days. They allow kids to practice all of the social skills they are working on in school: “can I have that when you’re done?” or even, “Hi.” Sharing an experience in an environment where your child feels most comfortable can be very beneficial. Playdates can also bring about a relationship that may not have necessarily happened at school because they aren’t often in the same areas at school, or again, don’t notice one another. Kids may realize that they have more in common with the person who is usually at the water table than they thought! Also, kids can start to figure out that friendships may vary, “I like working on art projects with this person, and if I want to build with blocks, I can ask this other person!” Most times, the playdate will then help kids bring that connection into the classroom. Whether it’s a playdate full of silly laughter, or one of the quietest playdough experiences you’ve ever had, something really is coming out of it. During that quietest of times, it is still an opportunity for kids to observe and take it in. They are gaining a better understanding of other personalities, likes and dislikes. And, perhaps, their comfort level will grow, “hmm, so, I sat next to a person with some dough for 20 minutes, that wasn’t too bad!”
The extent of your playdates can certainly vary, and they do not need to be an all-day marathon of activities. Perhaps, meeting at a neutral space, grabbing lunch together after school or playing in the park can be a good start. If it is at your home, having a structured activity for those who are feeling unsure can be helpful. Setting out an art project or playdough can help put children at ease, and be a great way for you to facilitate some interactions. If you are having someone over to play, you may want to ask your child which toys are okay for others to use, and suggest putting away the special items if you think your child will be worried about others using them.
When setting up a playdate, plan to follow your child’s lead. Some children may feel ready to be dropped off at someone else’s home, or go with another parent out to lunch. Others may insist that you stay with them during the playdate. We also know that scheduling can often be an issue. Finding someone who has time available when you do is also a great option!
Again, we’d like to thank you for scheduling time to meet with us. We are always excited to hear if your child is chatting about school at home, and to share our stories and thoughts with you as well!
Best,
A C S