Setting up routines  

Generally, playgroups do have some kind of routine. This may be fluid and free flowing, following the interests of the children or it may include set times for different activities.

There is no right or wrong amount of structure or routine. 

Some advantages of having a routine include:   

  • Children can participate and try a range of activities that enhances children’s gross and fine motor skills, language development, and social, emotional and cognitive development .  
  • Children and adults know what to expect .
  • Routine can help prepare children for more formal learning .  
  • Ensures the group is ready to leave the venue when their allotted time is up.   
  • Issues around safety can be more effectively managed. For example, the consumption of hot drinks kept to morning teatime or the use of scissors during craft time.  
  • Keeping the playgroup running smoothly and sharing tasks.   

When thinking about planning a routine, remember to take into consideration that the ages and stages of the children change over time, so the routine may also need to change.  

Having a simple routine can be a great way to introduce some structure to your group if that is what the group wants. Setting a timetable for different activities during the session can help to make children feel settled and confident at playgroup.

The schedule might include time for indoor and outdoor play, set activity times such as craft, morning tea, packing up time, story and music time with a goodbye song. Examples of playgroup routines can be found here. 

Baby playgroups will need a more fluid routine, as they may be feeding and sleeping at different times throughout the play time.

Older children may enjoy a more structured schedule of activities to keep them active and interested, but this will always depend on the individual needs of each playgroup. 

We recommend that each playgroup session discuss the kinds of activities and routines they want for their group. This can be done informally over a coffee or at a planning or committee meeting after feedback has been gathered from families attending.   

Playgroup routines might also include activities such as washing hands before eating and sitting down for morning tea and story time. Keep in mind that children develop differently and that it is always important to be flexible in applying your playgroup rules. Some children may need support from a parent or significant adult to gradually participate in routines.   

The important thing about routines is that ideally they need to reflect the interests and needs of the children and adults attending the playgroup session which can change over time.  It is a good idea for playgroups to review their routines from time to time to ensure that it is meeting the needs of everybody. Periodically the group could make time to talk about the routine and, where necessary, make changes to ensure the environment continues to be stimulating, nurturing, safe and comfortable for all the families attending.    

Suggestions for playgroup routines
Morning/afternoon sessions

Time

9:00am

Activity

Set up and welcome
Free play
Craft (if one is planned)
Playdough

10:00am

10:20am

10:45am

11:00am

Morning tea (picnic outside if weather is nice)

Outdoor / Free play while cleanup happens

Story and/or song time

Time to say goodbye - it is nice to have a regular song to signal the end of playgroup

Midday sessions (2 hours)

Time

Activity

12:00pm

12:30pm

Set up for lunch

Free play
Craft (if you have any planned)
Playdough

1:30pm

1:45pm

2:00pm

Pack away

Story and/or song time

Time to say goodbye - it's nice to have a regular song to signal the end of playgroup

Shorter 1.5 hour sessions

Time

Activity

9:30am

Set up and welcome
Free play
Craft (if one is planned)
Playdough

10:15am

10:35am

10:40am

11:00am

Morning tea - picnic outside if the weather is nice

Outdoor/free play while clean up happens

Story and/or song time

Time to say goodbye - it's nice to have a regular song to signal the end of playgroup

Remember these are only suggested guides. Flexibility is the key when taking into consideration the needs and interests of the group.