What Can You Do When A Child Is Left Out of the Group?
Outdoor play time is usually the favorite time of day for kids in preschool or day care. Running, jumping, and climbing on the play ground equipment is fun for kids of all ages and helps get rid of all the excess energy they’ve been building up indoors. But even when you have a group of children who get along well, you’ll occasionally have a child who gets left out of the group during a game. What can you do to prevent hurt feelings?
Offer a Variety of Activities & Play Ground Equipment
It’s normal for young children to organize pick-up games of hopscotch, tag, and jump rope. If you have a nice assortment of play ground equipment in your play yard, there’s less likelihood kids will feel left out if they can’t join a particular game or activity. After all, they’ll be able to find many other things to do with slides, trapeze bars, and swings to entice them. It’s also helpful to have activities like seesaws and tire swings so smaller groups of kids can play together when larger groups are playing a game.
Have a Mediator
If you have a teacher’s aide or assistant, be sure they monitor the playground and observe the children, encouraging participation and cooperation. Sometimes all it takes is a gentle nudge from an adult. If you see a shy child who would obviously like to join a game hanging back, turn to the others and ask, “Guys, you don’t mind if Rick plays, do you?”
Redirect the Children
Sometimes it’s effective to redirect children’s’ attention if it looks like there will be an argument over who can or can’t play a particular game. Step in and suggest a game everyone can play if children are arguing over one with limited players or start two separate games. Be strategic – let children who have been turned away choose the teams for the new games. You might also suggest a few contests, such as who can swing the highest, which will redirect the kids to the play ground equipment. Try this and you’ll be amazed by how quickly the kids will forget about their squabble.
