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The Transition from Parallel Play to Social Play

Children naturally seek company. Here in our classroom, we have proudly enjoyed observing how the preschoolers have transitioned from parallel play to social play. This milestone was accomplished through nurturing, educating and, most importantly, respecting and understanding each child for their individual personalities and development levels.

At this time of the year, we can visually see the children make this transition with each other. They are no longer playing alongside each other. Instead, we see many groups playing among themselves and hear conversations filled with expressive and descriptive words. The preschoolers also give and take turns with little to no teacher support.
 
 
Taya pushes Ava on the swing – a plan the girls worked out after trying to pump their legs on the swings!


 Lily and Emma are working out how to sit on the swing. Emma holds the swing, while Lily jumps on.


Tiffany pushes Aleah on the swing.



Matthew, Cade, Anthony and Kai have a friendship connection while hanging from a bar - socializing while hanging upside down!


A little surprise for  Father's Day!


The staff at Maple Lane plan an animal bingo for the preschoolers and guide them through the game.


Our last social visit with the seniors paying a bingo game! Thank you residence of Maple Lane, we have enjoyed visiting you throughout the year and making such a special connection in the community.


Preparing to paint – Charlotte, Samuel and Chantel have a group discussion to decide on a colour. A lot of conversation and negotiations went on in the dramatic play area among the children.


Cade and Anthony come up with a plan to balance the arches so that they can ride cars on them.


 
The arches are stacked and Cade drives the car.


Big buddies help the children roll or braid bread! Thank you to our big buddies, for being caring, kind and helpful throughout the year.



 
As we share time together during our last class, the discussion seems to be about the grass! Why is the grass so prickly?


Thank you families for sharing your children with us, we truly have enjoyed every moment with them! We look forward to seeing our returning families in September and wish all the best to our preschoolers going onto kindergarten. Have a great summer!


~Jess and Barbi

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