At Kindred Kids, our Practitioners use the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) for early intervention, a naturalistic, play-based approach targeting all developmental domains. Many parents ask, “What does a group session actually look like?” Though every group at Kindred Kids will change based on the children within it, we’ve provided a quick look at what we aim to do in a group session. While we also offer one-on-one programs, the focus in group sessions is designed to reflect a typical early childhood setting.
The goal of group sessions is to foster routines, personal independence and social interactions. Practitioners tailor their approach to include each child’s interests and needs, ensuring engagement on their terms. By mirroring traditional education settings while maintaining individualised instruction, children develop skills that can be transferred to other learning environments.
Group Session Structure
Over the course of our therapeutic cycles, we vary our group session themes each week to keep activities fun and engaging. Though the theme changes weekly, Kindred Kids group sessions generally follow the same format each week to give children an idea of what to expect each week.
Arrival and Free Play
Children enter, hang up their bags, remove their shoes and engage in free play. This time allows them to settle while practicing personal independence. Free play transitions into cleanup and transition to Group Mat Time, similar to early learning centres.
Group Mat Time
Children gather on the mat for greetings, book reading or singing which promotes peer interaction.
Morning Tea
Children retrieve their snacks and water bottles from their bags, encouraging independence and social engagement. Practitioners facilitate group discussions or read books to foster communication. Afterward, children clean up and transition to play stations.
Themed Play Stations
Play stations align with current themes (e.g., community helpers, under the sea, etc.). Structured turn-taking and individualised support encourage peer engagement. By limiting available play items, children’s attention is directed toward social learning. Theme rotations keep interest high and encourage exploration.
Sensory Play
After structured play, children complete bathroom routines before engaging in sensory activities, such as playing in the sandpit. This fosters spontaneous peer interactions and purposeful play.
Craft and Cooking Activities
Children participate in a theme-focused craft project, promoting fine motor skills and small-group interactions. A cooking activity follows, reinforcing similar skills while encouraging teamwork.
Closing Routine
The session concludes with cleanup, collecting belongings and saying goodbye before meeting parents.
By structuring sessions around familiar routines and individualised support, children develop confidence, independence and social skills in a nurturing environment.
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