Magnetic Kids

1       Description
 

Magnetic Kids is designed for children in late preschool to early kindergarten (approx. ages 4–6) who are beginning to engage more actively in social settings. During our summer sessions, we bring in a light, playful, and energetic atmosphere that reflects the season—encouraging children to connect, explore, and participate with curiosity and joy.

​

In this group, we shift focus from foundational social skills to building and sustaining motivation to participate, connect, and grow—just like how children naturally open up and engage more during summer play.

​

Children will:

• recognize their own motivation to join in games or help a peer,

• explore what encourages them to listen, ask for help, or wait their turn,

• practice responding to others and build confidence stepping into group play.

 

We incorporate summer-themed puppet storytelling, video modelling, role-play, and movement-based play so children experience:
“I want to try,” “I can join,” and “I want to help.”

(Based on the original focus on foundational skills like personal space, recognizing emotions, and asking for help.)

​

 

Routines

 

Each session is structured to build motivated peer connections in a relaxed, summer-inspired flow:

​

Arrival & Warm-Up – children explore play zones (e.g., beach toys, building stations); prompt:
“What might I try today in play?”

​

Circle Time / Puppet Lesson – greeting peers, taking turns discussing and drawing the summer weather (sunny, windy, cloudy), and exploring a story-based social theme with prompts like “Can you try?”

​

Movement Break – fun, high-energy activities like dance, stretching, or “summer freeze games” to get bodies moving

​

Group Play – children engage with shared materials (e.g., magnetic blocks, pretend picnic sets, water-play toys). They practice:

• requesting and sharing

• accepting “no”

• problem-solving (asking another peer or waiting)​

​

Lunch Time & Free Play – children eat together picnic-style, practice cleaning up, and enjoy short free play while waiting for peers

​

Group Activity – extend the puppet lesson through summer-themed crafts, role-play, or worksheets; children practice turn-taking, answering questions, and requesting items

Goodbye – children prepare for home independently (putting on shoes, getting ready), asking for help when needed

​

​

Example Activities 

​

Puppet Theatre (Summer Story): e.g., “Someone took my beach toy—what should we do next?”

 

Emotion Charades: act out feelings like excited, shy, frustrated—others guess

 

Personal Space Bubble Game: “When someone is too close, we can say, ‘Too close, move please’”

 

Listening Games: e.g., “Freeze Dance” with upbeat summer music

 

Crafts: create emotion puppets or decorate “My Summer Feelings” art

​

Play-Together Stations: explore deeper social thinking:

• “How can I share my idea?”

• “How can I join someone’s play?”

• “Will they like my idea? How can I tell?”

 

These activities emphasize not just the skill, but the internal motivation to choose that skill.

​

 

2       Q&A

​

Q: My child has begun basic play with peers but doesn’t often offer help or ask for turns. Will this help?
A: Yes. In our summer sessions, we emphasize motivation to act—helping children recognize their own desire to connect, help, and join in, through fun and engaging group play.

​

Q: My child is shy and hesitant to join group activities.
A: That’s okay. We follow each child’s pace. Summer sessions focus on gentle invitations—even small steps like saying “Hi” or expressing “I don’t want to” are meaningful progress.

​

Q: My child has strong language skills but struggles with reading social cues.
A: This group supports exactly that. We help children connect their words with awareness of others—like noticing when someone is sad, waiting, or saying no.

​

Q: Who is this group best for?

• Children aged approx. 4–6

• Beginning to play with others, not just beside them

• Need support with noticing others, asking for help, sharing, waiting, and personal space

• Would benefit from structured, play-based social learning focused on motivation and engagement

• Ready for a warm, adult-guided group setting