Module 3 Part 2: Playfulness & flexibility
What will I learn?
When we work with people we know that (more than often) plans have to be abandoned for in-the-moment adaptation and flexibility. We can improvise, change direction, experiment, and discover things we hadn’t considered, and in this way we are playing with the plan.
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Being flexible and adaptive is essential for good facilitation.
Step 1:
Being playful
The playfulness of the facilitator contributes to the overall feeling of flexibility and exploration within the group. Here are some ways we can demonstrate playfulness and adaptability.
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Make time for spontaneity and improvisation – observe. If you look deeply at group members, how are they engaging with the activities? This is especially important at the start of the playgroup as you’re getting to know the members, and when you introduce a new activity. We mentioned this in Module 2 Part 1 too - if something is not working out for the group's best interests, change it in-the-moment.
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Plans don’t have to be followed - leading on from point 1. The group can choose and take over the in-the-moment planning of the group and you can support this through guided and open-ended questions.
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Reflect - some weeks will work better than others. Can you reflect on the sessions in a timely way to unpack the reasons? How can future sessions be planned? Can group members be given explicit choice and ownership over the playgroup activities?
Watch...
Annie, an early years teacher and IGP facilitator, shares heartwarming examples of intergenerational play in this video.
Step 2:
Activity
Continuous reflection
There isn't really an end to this step but rather this is an ongoing task to observe, reflect, and seek ways to ensure the playgroup honours the ways to wellbeing framework through the philosophy YOU have designed.
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The playgroup you develop, with the help of those who join in, will make a substantial difference to the lives of young children, their parents, and elders. Be playful in exploring the different ways generations can play together toward meaningful social interaction and wellbeing.
Play never ends
"Our brains are built to benefit from play no matter what our age."
Theresa A. Kestly