Activity Groups

Fostering Positive Group Dynamics: Activity Groups with JASPER Play-Based Approach

In the realm of child development, fostering positive social, emotional, and communicative skills is paramount. One effective way to achieve this is through activity groups that not only cater to children's interests but also nurture camaraderie and good behavior. In this blog post, we'll explore the formation of activity groups using the JASPER (Joint Attention, Symbolic Play, Engagement, and Regulation) play-based approach, focusing on how it enhances children's interactions within a variety of themed activities.

Understanding JASPER: JASPER is a naturalistic developmental behavioral intervention that targets core deficits in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, its principles can be applied beneficially to children across the developmental spectrum. The approach emphasizes joint attention, symbolic play, engagement, and regulation, which are fundamental to social and emotional development.

Formation of Activity Groups: Activity groups are designed to cater to children's interests while facilitating positive interactions. When forming such groups, it's essential to consider three key factors:

1. Interest in the Activity: Children are more likely to engage positively when participating in activities they enjoy. Therefore, the first step is to identify a range of activities that cater to various interests. These may include active play, art, board games, music, science experiments, and more. By offering a diverse range of options, every child can find something they're passionate about.
2. Affinity Towards Peers: While individual interests vary, fostering connections among children is crucial for group cohesion. When forming activity groups, consider the dynamics between children and aim to place those who have shown affinity towards one another. This can be based on existing friendships, shared interests, or observed positive interactions.
3. Promoting Positive Group Behavior: Creating a supportive environment where children feel comfortable expressing themselves is essential for nurturing positive group behavior. Utilizing the principles of JASPER, facilitators can encourage joint attention, symbolic play, engagement, and regulation within the group context. This may involve providing prompts, modeling appropriate behaviors, and reinforcing positive interactions.

Implementing JASPER in Activity Groups: Once the activity groups are formed, integrating the principles of JASPER can further enhance the experience:

1. Joint Attention: Encourage children to focus on the same activity or object, fostering shared experiences and connections. Facilitators can use techniques such as pointing, verbal prompts, or visual aids to guide joint attention.
2. Symbolic Play: Engage children in imaginative and symbolic play within the chosen activities. This can involve role-playing, storytelling, or creating narratives around the play materials. Symbolic play encourages creativity and perspective-taking, promoting social understanding and communication skills.
3. Engagement: Ensure that all children are actively involved and included in the group activities. Adjust the level of complexity or support as needed to accommodate individual differences and promote participation.
4. Regulation: Help children develop self-regulation skills by providing structure, consistency, and support within the group setting. Encourage problem-solving, emotional expression, and coping strategies to manage conflicts or challenges that may arise during activities.

Themed Activity Groups: To cater to diverse interests and promote exploration, activity groups can be organized around various themes. Some examples include:

• Active Play: Outdoor games, sports, and physical challenges.
• Animals: Learning about different species, pet care, and animal-themed crafts.
• Art: Painting, drawing, sculpting, and other creative endeavors.
• Block Play: Building structures, problem-solving, and spatial awareness.
• Board Games: Strategy, cooperation, and turn-taking in tabletop games.
• Chat (Book Club, Show and Tell): Sharing stories, interests, and personal experiences.
• Dramatic Play: Role-playing scenarios, dressing up, and acting out stories.
• Music, Song & Dance: Musical exploration, rhythm, and movement activities.
• Sensory Social Routines: Sensory-rich experiences with balls, bubbles, and balloons.
• Science, Engineering, Technology & Math: Hands-on experiments, STEM challenges, and problem-solving activities.
• Water Play: Exploration with water tables, watercolors, and aquatic-themed games.

Activity groups offer a dynamic platform for children to explore their interests, build friendships, and develop essential social, emotional, and communicative skills. By integrating the principles of JASPER, facilitators can create a supportive environment where children not only enjoy the activities but also thrive in their interactions with peers. Through collaborative play and positive group dynamics, activity groups become a catalyst for holistic child development.