Group play is a great way for kids to learn social skills. Here are 5 Ways to Group Play Benefits Kids. This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone.
As a mom of four kids, I have often worried about not being able to provide them with enough one on one time. I was concerned so much about it that I asked a local family counselor if I should be worried about how little individual time I could offer them as compared to the time that I could give my oldest.
His answer surprised me.
He stated that the benefits of kids growing up together and learning from one another far surpassed any of my worries.
Even though living in a house with four kids can be messy and wild, I’ve noticed that my kids do excel at group play. Whether it is just together at home or in a larger group at school, my triplets are successful at making friends and playing with others. It has come naturally for them as they have learned to acquire these skills by being together 24/7. But this doesn’t mean that kiddos who live without the company of other children can’t learn how to participate in a group. By consistently giving them opportunities for group play via play dates, preschool, or other events, any child can reap these 5 Benefits of Group Play for Kids.
Teamwork
Like it or not teamwork is part of life. As adults, we need teamwork skills for everything from group projects on the job or problem solving skills in our marriage and adult relationships. Learning teamwork begins as a child. Group play opportunities help facilitate teamwork.
Making friends
Group play allows kids to make friends. Some kids will find this easier than others, but all kids will benefit by learning to make friends.
Motor skill practice
Kids, especially younger ones, are fine tuning their motor skills. Playing with age appropriate toys is a great way to do this. In group play, kids sometimes learn new ways to use and play with toys that push their fine and gross motor skills to the limit. In our home, we call it positive peer pressure! For instance, one of my boys has limited motion in his arm. Even after undergoing occupational therapy, the best therapy for his arm has been group play. It pushes him to use his arm like his brothers or other kids.
Communication
If you have little kids, you may have told them to “Use their words!” more than a couple of times. Kids have trouble expressing themselves sometimes, and group play encourages them to communicate appropriately with their play mates.
Expands their worldview and imagination
Group play in a safe and appropriate environment exposes kids to different play styles and things that are different than their own family.
Group play is so important for a well balanced social child. The interactions between children are different than those of adults. They need time for formulate ways to communicate, and often it is eye to eye contact.
These are the best toys! My kids had several of these sets and always had fun with them. I can see how group play would be beneficial, though my son always preferred to play alone since he has autism.
I didn’t realize group play had so many wonderful benefits. I love all of the Playmobile toys and I’m adding a few to my Christmas list. They look like so much fun.
Oh I definitely agree that kids need together. They learn a lot from their peers that they will not learn with your parents! We definitely try to make sure that our kiddos are exposed to lotta different kids so that they can understand other people and also learn how to play nicely.
I remember from my kid’s pre-school years the importance of developing good group play habits. It’s really one of the most essential things for their development at that age. These Playmobil toys look like a blast for the little ones.
My son loves playing with Playmobil. He and a buddy always build stuff together.
I loved Playmobil toys growing up, I was pretty obsessed with them! My kids enjoy playing with them too. I agree that using their imagination and playing together is such an important part of childhood.
I encourage group play all the time. It is important for so many reasons, and you have a lot of great reasons here in this post 🙂
I remember Playmobil from my childhood. I have some really great memories of their toys! These are truly timeless toys when they encourage such creative play.
YES to play groups!! Kids interacting with other kids face to face is always a great idea!!
Yes, I really like how play groups help with kids’ communication skills. My little one started talking late and that’s because I didn’t put him in play groups right away.
Yes, playgroups is a very good way to bring out the great qualities in kids. Sharing, teamwork, and of course making friends is great for kids to lean the basics of friendship!
Play dates is very important to build good character is kids at a young age. Teamwork, kindness, and sharing are great characteristics.
Children love playsets and playing together. And Playmobil gives a lot of opportunity to recreate different life situations. My kid love it!
I totally agree with all of these! I love watching my boys play and build these sets together, my oldest learns patience and how to teach his younger brother who looks up to his big brother.
I agree! I think group play is a huge help for children. We were members of our local Moms club where we participated in play groups. They helped my son prepare for school and real life in terms of sharing/kindness and giving.
I love group play. It’s so important for development and bringing up a strong future of kids who can work together!