The videotape includes scenes of a group socialization
activity that a home visitor and parents are conducting in a community
facility. This is one way that home visitors can implement group experiences.
Group socialization activities serve two primary
purposes:
- peer group interaction for the children through age appropriate activities
- opportunities for parents to observe, participate as volunteers, or engage in activities designed by them and specifically for them.
Home visitors must plan and conduct group socialization
activities with parents and for parents and children. Review the fact sheet,
"Group Socialization Activities in a Variety of Settings: Issues to Consider"
(page 36). Note that group socialization activities are conducted in community
facilities, homes, Head Start classrooms, other sites, or on field trips.
Head Start agencies and home visitors can select a combination of these
settings for the families they serve, based on interest and need.
As you view the videotape, consider the suggested
guidelines on the fact sheet regarding interactions with children and safe
and healthy learning environments for community facilities and Head Start
class rooms.
After viewing the videotape, think about your
group socialization activities and answer the questions below. Discuss
these with your supervisor or other home visitors.
- How do you help parents to interact freely and comfortably with the children?
- How do you help parents to observe children's play with materials and interactions with each other?
- How do you help parents to ask children open-ended questions that require children to think?
- How do you help parents to respond to children's questions with brief answers?
For More Information:
- Read Chapter Three, "Planning Home Visits and Group Socialization Activities," in The Head Start Home Visitor Handbook
- Read Chapter Four, "Conducting Home Visits and Group Socialization Activities," in The Head Start Home Visitor Handbook
- Read Chapter Seven, "Group Socialization Activities," in A Guide for Operating the Head Start Home-Based Program Option
- Read Chapter Four, "Implementing the Education Component Plan," in A Guide for Education Coordinators in Head Start
- Review relevant sections in the As I Am mental health curriculum
- Request and participate in training that addresses group socialization activities