Baby Steps

3       Routines

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• Arrival & Cozy Free Play — gentle sensory bins, pretend kitchen, building toys; children choose and are gently encouraged to notice a peer.
   

• Welcome Circle — short greeting songs or visuals, prompt: “One thing I want to play today…” with lots of visuals.
   

• Parallel Play Time — structured toy-stations set up for side-by-side play; teacher prompts: “When you’re ready, you could say ‘My turn’ or ‘Your turn’.”
   

• Group Game or Song — gentle, low-pressure group game (peek-a-boo, parachute, scarf-pass) with focus: “What can I try next?”
   

• Snack & Book Time — sitting together with adult support, read short story with prompt: “What would you like to try in your snack time?”
   

• Gross Motor Play — movement games, ball rolling, push toys; teacher encourages motivation: “I’m going to try to roll the ball to someone.”
   

• Closing Song & Goodbye — prompt children: “Tell me one thing you want to try next time.” Adults celebrate effort and motivate small next steps.

 

All transitions are slow and supported. Children are never rushed or expected to perform.

 

​[Example Activities]​

• Bubble catching or “pop and pass” game: teacher models, then children take turns.

• Side-by-side painting: children can practice their fine motor skills by painting with various mediums and social language skills by indicating to their peers or teachers which colors they want next.

• Toy station rotation: children move between stations; teacher says: “If you’re ready, you can pick a new toy or ask a friend ‘May I play?’”

• Matching play trays: two children have similar trays; teacher encourages looking at peer and then saying “Look!” or “Me too.”

• Transition song with prompt: “When you hear the song, you can try walking to the circle with me — are you ready?”

• Sensory waiting game: single turn-taking with a share of sensory tool (e.g., sand timer) — teacher prompts: “I know you’re waiting — next you can try to say ‘my turn’.”

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✅ Is This the Right Group for Your Child?

Q: My child plays mostly alone. Is Baby Steps too social?
A: Not at all. Baby Steps is designed for exactly that—children who are beginning to tolerate others or play beside others. We don’t force interaction; we foster motivation to be near peers and gradually join in.

Q: My child doesn’t take turns or share yet. Will that matter?
A: Not at all. At this stage we aren’t expecting full sharing yet. What we are supporting is the motivation to try: noticing others, waiting a little, choosing to pass or say “your turn.” We model and gently support.

Q: What if my child cries or needs help during the session?
A: That’s very common and expected in this age group. We prioritise safety and emotional comfort. Our team supports transitions and gives warm guidance, always listening to each child’s readiness to explore the “next step.”

Q: What kind of child is Baby Steps best for?

• Children aged about 2.5 to 4.5 years old (or slight variation, depending on readiness)

• New to structured group settings or only beginning peer-play

• Plays mostly independently but is ready to become curious about others

• Needs a calm, predictable, highly supported environment with gentle encouragement

• Would benefit from an approach that emphasises motivation → engagement, rather than pushing independence right away.

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