Group Connections Ideas
PAT Group Connections Ideas
These are ideas that have been successful in PAT programs across Missouri. This list is not intended to be all inclusive. Please remember that Group Connections need to include Parent Education. You may partner with nearby districts to complete Group Connections.
If you have an idea you would like to share, please email abbysusman.pat@gmail.com.
Family Activities
Messy Play
W is for Winter - Sensory, gross and fine motor play. Includes importance of hand
washing
The Big Dirt Dig - Bring shovels, buckets, toy trucks, bulldozers and dig in the dirt
Gross Motor
Pedal Power - Bring your bike or straddle toy
Rough and Tumble Play
Ride Cool - Safety on wheel powered toys - possibly partner to give away helmets
Crazy Crawlers and Wacky Walkers - 6 - 18 Months - activities by age
In Out Up Down - 6 - 18 Months - designated areas by age
Get Out and Play - Gross motor and bicycle riding
Literacy
Storytimes
Wearing PJs is fun
Try including music and crafts
Toddler tunes
Souper Stories - Fun winter activity - warm up with stories about soup
Babies and Books - Read outside and incorporate motor activities
Winter Storyland - Warm up with winter stories and make a craft to take home
All About Me - Stories and activities to learn how special we all are
In the Jungle - Stories and activities about jungle animals
Things That Go - Stories and activities that let children move with things that go
Dr. Seussville - His birthdate is March 2, 1904 - perhaps make this a party for him
Vehicles
Big Truck and Safety Night - Experience vehicles and learn about safety: some programs include helmet checks
Seasonal
Fall Frolic - Use five senses to explore nature and pumpkins
Fall is in the Air - Songs, stories and activities all about fall
Fall Fun - Sensory, gross and fine motor play with a fall theme
W is for Winter - Sensory, gross and fine motor play with a focus on winter
Spring Fling - Stations with spring related activities
Play
Block Fest -Explore and experiment with a variety of blocks
Construction Junction - Stations with different blocks and other building materials
Little People City - Turn your building into a city and encourage parent-child interaction
Picnic and Play - Simple snacks and playtime at a local park
Splash Party - Local splash pads/parks/pool
Summer Picnic
Infant Massage - Share with parents the benefits for baby and parent, demonstrate techniques
STEM/Cooking
Explore Science, Technology, Engineering and Math through play
Give parents suggestions for incorporating STEM into activities at home
Kids in the Kitchen - Cooking is a great STEM activity. Make snacks and read books about food
Family Fest - Nutrition
Community Partnerships
Parks-
Storybook Trail - Hike and participate in sensory, gross and fine motor fun
Story time at a local park, some parks may offer other activities such as
Playgrounds, gardens, butterfly house
Snacks and playtime at a local park
TInkergarden- Get dirty at a park, activate all five senses, inspire wonder,
connect with nature - get dirty
Farm Animals
Recreation Centers - Some may offer swimming - perhaps they will offer lessons
Libraries - Your local library is a great resource. Let them lead your story times.
Encourage families to get library cards
Community Resources Fair - This is an opportunity to provide parents with information about resources in their community (health, recreation/enrichment, safety, education/employment opportunities, wellness, etc.)
Fire Stations - October is Fire Safety Month: take a tour, climb on a truck and learn
about fire safety and prevention
Some of these may be available in some communities only
Fish Hatchery - Activities and tour
Magic House in St. Louis offers free nights to PAT programs
Kindergarten Preparation
Many school districts are already doing pre-kindergarten meetings for parents with
or without children. You can participate in these.
Transition for the child and the family
Academic preparation - Literacy, math, colors, shapes etc.
Complete activities that support these areas
School bus safety
Your kindergarten teacher or elementary principal could be a guest speaker
Presentations/Guest Speakers
Sleep
From A to Zzzz
Sleepless in name of your town
Safety - Making Friends with Fido - Teach parents how to provide safety for pets and children
Discipline - Parents always have questions
Toilet Learning - It’s My Potty and I’ll Try If I Want To
The Development Centered Parenting Topics and Parenting Behaviors provide guidance and variety for Group Connections
Ongoing Group
Parenting the Love and Logic Way
Play-Stay-Learn
Parent Cafe
Parent Book Club