Aibu to be disappointed with ds's playgroup?

[emkana]

Am I expecting too much?

They do many lovely things, but a few things grate.

For example: 1/
At beginning of the session all children are expected to sit in a circle and register is taken. This is always chaotic and lots of crying goes on, but no attempt is made to make this engaging for the children, just names being read out.

2/ When snack time draws to a close the children get restless, but the staff are in the adjoining kitchen (not separated by a wall though) and not sat down with the children to talk. To get the children to sit down quietly the playleader today blew very loudly into a whistle.

3/ In the whole group activity at the end of the session the children were not in the mood to sit down and listen to the story or sing songs, but staff did not try to tweak activities but just kept saying "x, sit down! y, sit down!" in a more and more exasperated fashion.

What do you think?

ours do the register, they all sit on the carpet but the smaller ones sit on the staff's knees

snack time is a snack bar and they help themselves

I assume they are being watched while other staff clear up

at the end they have stories and songs but don't know how strict it is

it sounds pretty standard to me

The whistle stands out as being particularly strange - not sure i've ever seen that done in a playgroup setting.

Is it a big range of ages at the playgroup? One that ds1 went to was from age 2 to up to those just starting school and all in the same session - in my opinion it just didn't work as it was too big an age/ability range at that stage.

So i think in your position i'd have some reservations.

Thanks for your opinions.

We have a register (as we must) but it is marked as each child arrives. They're too busy getting involved with playing to sit in a formal fashion.

At snack time, at least 3 of us sit with the children and chat. It is a good opportunity for talking and listening to each other. If they have finished or don't want to join us for snack, they sit in the story corner.

Group sessions are planned but not rigid. Some days they are too restless to listen to stories so we sing old favorites. Some days they are very energetic so we'll do music and movement or get the balls, beanbags etc out...it shouldn't be set in stone otherwise everyone feels frustrated and go away feeling that nothing good has been achieved.

I have some involvement in a pre-school (from ages 2.5 - 4).

1. I would agree with Posey, play starts as soon as the children arrive, they are marked in as they walk through the door and then go to choose what to play with that day/morning/afternoon.

2. We have a snack bar. One adult sits with up to four children, the children take as long as they like. That way they get plenty of conversation but the slower eaters take their time whilst the faster ones are not required to stay sitting down and getting restless.

3. I agree with Posey over the whole group thing, they should be adjusted to suit the mood of the day. Sometimes we would go outside during this time if the weather was good, sometimes dancing if there is energy to burn off, sometimes action rhymes, sometimes quiet singing.

From what you've posted it all sounds a bit rigid, is that your worry?

HTH

Thank you that's helpful.

Yes I do find it too rigid and it worries me because it doesn't suit ds at all, but I have limited options, nowhere else I can send him really.

I would love to say something but am feeling shy... worried that the staff will feel offended

At dd's pre-school, the children collect their name cards from a board on the lobby and stick it on the board on the playroom. Staff use this for the register.

I don't think you're expecting too much at all.

Our register is taken in a similar way to Posey's and the children go off to play for a little while, then when everyone has settled they all sit in the story/quiet area and sing hello to everyone and also count everyone, firstly all the children and then the adults. This helps welcome new ones and gives some structure for the day.

At snack time all the children sit at tables with their names (which have been put in a box by them when they arrive) and the leaders sit with them and talk. It also helps them to help others as they are to offer each other the fruit and biscuits which I think is an essential part of being in a group.

Sometimes we have stories / singing, but if the mood isn't right for the children then they might go outside and run off some steam instead - just depends on the day.

A whistle certainly seems ott and I'm not surprised they weren't in the mood to sit down if they'd been surprised like that.

I wouldnt like to have to respond when a whistle is blown.

Its a bit pavlovian isn't it ?

Inn terms of the structure, i'm a bit undecided .... they kind of need a bit of routine even at that age I think.

At our pre-school, the children come in and sit on the floor. Laminated names are put on the floor and then the children sing the 'Good morning' song and they go round the circle saying hello to each child and adult.
Then the children are asked (one at a time) to find their name and put it on the board.
This helps the children to recognise their name.
Then let the children know what is on offer today, craft, books, playdough..ect and then each child says what they would like to do and they go with the adult who will be doing that activity.
At snack time the kids are encouraged to help prepare the snacks (one special helper a day) and then they are encouraged to stack dishes in the 'washing up box'.
The children then do some quiet reading/looking at pictures and then they go out to play.
Our session is quite long (3.5hrs) so after 3hrs most are flagging, so we have a bit of a dance and song and then they have 10 mins relaxation time, listening to classical music, lying down if they want.
Then its home time.

At our pre school ,parents sign the children in and the children self-register' by finding and posting their names.Later on they have circle time and call the register to get used to the children answering their name.Our DC bring little chairs into acircle and any upset or fidgety children sit on staff knees.
Snack is cafe style.
I don't think your play group sounds well run at all.

However on your last point.Children do have to learn self discipline,to sit down quietly and listen even when they don't feel like it

I'd have reservations too (and the whistle thing sounds horrible).

At ds1's pre-school they are ticked off a list by one member of staff as they walk in the door, and they have a magnetic label with their name on that they (or their parent) stick on a 'here today' boad.

They do free play for the first hour, most days.

For snack time they are divided into small groups. Each group sits at a table with a member of staff and they chat together.

The children getting restless during the whole group activity just doesn't happen. The pre-school leader, who runs that bit, is fabulous, and really engages with the children who all watch her adoringly.