| To get the most from playtime activities you have to | | | | particular interest in activities but are put of by the |
| stick to a set of rules. The rules may change | | | | crowds then find a time when the crowds are gone. |
| according to the child but generally these rules help to | | | | This is often good to help them do something they |
| achieve constructive play gaining the benefits listed | | | | really enjoy. |
| above. | | | | Follow the leader - Let them take the lead. If they |
| Play it their way - Encourage them to pay the games | | | | want to play in a certain way then you may find that |
| they like to play. If they show an interest in a certain | | | | letting them express themselves is a good way to |
| sport or activity then GREAT! Let them play their | | | | help them vent their built up frustrations. |
| games and so that they can get the release that they | | | | Take your time - Let them take their sweet time to |
| will feel good about. | | | | enjoy an activity. If they are forced to rush through a |
| Exposure to new things - Children with social disabilities | | | | game or sport then it may not be so enjoyable and |
| often seem like they are not interested in new things | | | | the experience may start to go wrong. |
| but sometimes exposure to new games and activities | | | | Everyone makes mistakes - Let children make |
| sparks of an interest that they really get enjoyment | | | | mistake after mistake because this will help build |
| from. This also helps them to build on their experiences | | | | confidence and resilience to failure. |
| and broaden their learning. | | | | Don't conform - Don't force children to conform to |
| Great mind think alike - Find other people that share | | | | social rules. Expression in their way will help them feel |
| the same interests. This may seem like an impossible | | | | comfortable which is a good way to play. |
| task but you will be amazed at what goes on in the | | | | Use their interests - Use the subjects they are |
| houses you are surrounded by. Other disability support | | | | interested in as a way of encouraging them to play |
| groups are often a great place to meet like minded | | | | other activities. |
| people who will share their interests willingly. This will be | | | | Quit if it doesn't work - You can force a child to play a |
| a great way for them to have a little social contact | | | | certain way or do a certain activity if they don't want |
| that doesn't end up in tears. | | | | to. Encourage them of course, but if they really don't |
| Go when the crowds are gone - If children show a | | | | want to do something then don't force them. |