Little Bridges

2       Routines

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Each session unfolds with a rhythm that supports motivation to connect:

• Arrival & Free Exploration – children enter play zones; adult prompts: “What might you try today with a friend?”
   

• Opening Circle – greetings and prompt: “I’m curious about… / I wonder if my friend will…”
   

• Interactive Play Blocks/ Group Games – semi-structured activities (building, pretend, art) with peer invitations: adults ask: “What will you try to say or do with a friend?”
   

• Snack & Social Time – shared snack where children may ask or share; teacher encourages: “What motivates you to ask your friend to have a bite or to sit next to them?”
   

• Gross-Motor / Movement Team Play – cooperative physical activities (e.g., obstacle course, group chase, parachute) with emphasis: “You can try to help a friend, wait your turn, invite someone in.”

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• Reflection & Goodbye – each child shares: “One thing I tried today because I wanted to connect” and “One thing I’ll try next time to connect even more.”

 

​[Example Activities]​

• Pretend-play station “ice cream store”: one child being the seller, others line up to be customers; prompt: “What flavor do you like?”
   

• Block building challenge: two children build side-by-side and then combine; prompt: “What will you try to ask your peer for their tower piece?”
   

• Snack-making team: children assemble snack together; teacher asks: “What motivates you to help your friend or ask for help?”
   

• Movement game: “Pass the scarf” ~ Children pass a scarf across group; prompt: “What motivated you to wait for your turn and pass to someone else?”
   

• Reflection circle: children draw a picture of their favourite play moment and label: “I joined because…” / “I waited because…” / “I asked because…”

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✅ Is This the Right Group for Your Child?

Q: My child mostly plays alone beside peers and rarely interacts. Will this group help?
A: Yes, Little Bridges is designed for exactly that type of child. The goal is not to force interaction but to nurture the motivation to connect, even if it’s a small step like looking at a peer, asking “Can I join?” or inviting “Your turn.”

Q: My child speaks very little or uses gestures. Can they participate?
A: Absolutely. We welcome children communicating in many ways: words, signs, gestures, facial expressions. The focus is on meaningful connection and motivated peers interactions, not full sentences or speech.

Q: My child struggles with big emotions, transitions, or waiting.
A: That’s perfectly normal. Our facilitators are trained to support emotional regulation and transitions. We facilitate gentle prompts like: “I know it was hard to wait. What might motivate you to try again next time?”

Q: What kind of child is this group best for?

• Children aged approx. 3.5 to 5 years

• Are ready to move from parallel play toward ‘with others’ play

• May not yet be comfortably engaging peers, but show curiosity or interest in others

• Need supportive, flexible, small-group environment emphasising motivation to join rather than rigid expectations

• Thrive when given choice, gentle prompts, and chances to try small social moves