To play or not to play? That is a question parents often ponder. Playing is an integral part of a child's development. It is through this activity that many of the social skills that are needed in adult life are formed. This article examines the importance of group play activities for our children.

Group play involves two or more individuals and is one of the most exhilarating, exciting and fulfilling interactive experience for children.  

Group activities are more memorable and joyous when shared with friends and family and are irreplaceable gems that provide a foundation for the development of the skills needed for an individual to become a healthy and well-rounded person.

Group play activities provide learning experiences for a child that teaches him:

    * Kindness
    * To resolve conflicts
    * To build friendships
    * To respect others
    * To communicate her thoughts and feelings
    * To understand how her input is essential to the successful outcome
       of the group
    * To develop more positive feelings about others
    * To develop team -spirit
    * To work collaboratively, share ideas and take on responsibilities for
       the benefit of the entire team
    * To learn and study others’ emotions and how they respond in
       different situations
    * To work in a productive way
    * To share and take turns which builds and maintain healthy
       relationships even in adulthood
    * To foster healthy competition with others
    * To be confident. A shy child won’t gain confidence if he is always on
        his own without friends
    * The more a child is around others the more his brain is being
        stimulated as he is constantly exploring others and everything
        around him

Here are some group play activities that can certainly provide some of the benefits mentioned above.

   1. The Freeze Game- a musical recorder or radio is required. The parent or caregiver asks the children to scatter around the room evenly. When the music begins to play, children should move and explore the room in creative ways (e.g. hopping, skipping or dancing) in time with the music. When the music stops everyone should freeze in their position for two to three seconds, then the music play again. Children with mobility challenges should be encouraged to move whichever body part they can

   2. Cat and Dog Game- two stuffed animals are needed for this game. One represents a cat and the other a dog. The group sits in a circle on the floor. The dog and the cat is passed around the circle in opposite directions to the music. The aim of the game is to get the animal to a predetermine point without dropping it. The child who drops the animal will do a dance, sing or some other activity.


   3. Fashion Parade Game- the parent or caregiver divides the children into teams of four and gives each group dress clothes and accessories. One child from each group is selected to be the model and to dress according to a particular theme. Themes can be cartoon or story characters or television/movie characters. Each group is given a chance to parade their model while the commentator of the group explains the creation.


   4. Backyard Treasure Hunt Game- this activity allows each child to develop his problem solving and language skills. The game can be played in a backyard or park. The adult hides several items within the yard or park and splits the children in two equal groups. Each team is given a small container to collect the hidden items. A specific time is allotted for the game. Each team is rewarded according to the number of items collected within the allotted time.

Always keep group activities fun with emphasis placed on every child or group of children being a winner instead of being in a competition. Single child caregivers can consider inviting the child’s friends over for an afternoon of fun and games.

Sources: www.growingtreetoys.com

        “ Creative Play activities for children with disabilities”. By: Lisa Morris and Linda Schulz