Day 1 (Mon) -- Skill of the Week: Joining Play
Toddlers (1–3)
Goal: parallel play → “next to them” play
What to practice:
- “Watch + copy” (do what they’re doing nearby)
- Gentle approach + friendly face
- Simple sharing phrases
Kid scripts:
- “Play?”
- “My turn?”
- “More?”
- “Can I have one?”
Parent prompt in the moment:
- “Let’s watch… what are they doing?”
- “We can play next to them first.”
- “Hands gentle. One word: ‘Play?’”
If ignored:
- “Okay, we can play here.” (model calm + stay close)
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Preschool (3–5)
Goal: enter play without taking over
What to practice:
- Watch 10 seconds
- Ask one question
- Join the same theme (don’t change the game)
Kid scripts:
- “What are you playing?”
- “Can I play too?”
- “Can I be the helper?”
- “Where should I start?”
Parent prompt:
- “Watch first. What’s the game?”
- “Pick one line and try it.”
- “Join their idea first—then you can add later.”
If they say no:
- “Okay. Can I watch?”
- “Maybe next turn?”
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Elementary (6–10)
Goal: timing + teamwork + flexibility
What to practice:
- Look for an “open spot” (pause in the game)
- Offer a role that helps
- Try again once if ignored
Kid scripts:
- “Do you want another player?”
- “Can I join next round?”
- “What role do you need?”
- “Can I be on your team?”
Parent prompt:
- “Pause. Watch. Then ask.”
- “If they don’t answer, try one more time—then move on.”
- “You can join first, suggest later.”
If ignored:
- “I’ll wait for the next round.”
- “Who can I ask to join?”
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Teens (11–17)
Goal: low-pressure entry (no “can I play?” vibe)
What to practice:
- Comment + question (easy opener)
- “Mind if I…?” instead of “Can I…?”
- Join through shared task (not spotlight)
Teen scripts:
- “What are you guys doing?”
- “Mind if I join?”
- “Is there room for one more?”
- “How do you play?” / “What’s the rule?”
- “Need a partner?”
Parent prompt (keep it light):
- “Start with a comment, then a question.”
- “Aim for one small connection, not best friends today.”
- “If it’s awkward, that’s normal—try again with someone else.”
If brushed off:
- “All good.” (then pivot to another group/activity)
- Teach a “reset”: grab a drink, check phone briefly, re-enter elsewhere.
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Parent/Caregiver tip
Practice at home for 2 minutes: watch → pick a line → ask → wait (count to 3).It’s a small skill that makes a huge difference.
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Question:
Which one would help your child most right now?
A) a line to start play
B) a line for when they’re ignored
C) a line for when they get too excited
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Day 1 (Mon) -- Skill of the Week: Joining Play
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