Socialization in a group isn't just "children playing together." It's a clearly structured, step-by-step process where each step is thought through and built into the session.
Stage one: comfort and safety
First, the child needs to feel comfortable and safe. They stay calmly in the group, play with their own toy next to others, follow shared rules, and move between areas: play, table, joint activity.
Next, the foundation of interaction is built:
- responding to a peer;
- watching what others do;
- imitating movements and actions;
- sharing toys;
- reaching a shared goal.
For example, one child picks up a red pencil, another notices and does the same. This is how children naturally join in the shared activity.
What children learn in a group
In group sessions, children learn to:
- respond to an adult's instruction given to the whole group;
- answer in chorus together with other children;
- respond to their name and come up to the board in turn;
- complete a task on their own and say "I'm done";
- copy a task from the board;
- wait their turn;
- follow the overall flow of the session and what other children are doing;
- work with a timer, go on a break and come back;
- take part in shared activities with peers.
Social play is taught separately: joining in active games, joining other children's play, asking a peer for something, and responding to a peer's requests, including a request to stop doing something.
Why regular attendance matters
As in any learning environment, each session builds on the one before. When the children had just started the group, the first task was simple: hear their name, respond and come up to the board. Once that worked, the task got harder: come up and choose the right picture or object. Then harder still: listen to an instruction, keep it in mind, choose an image by a feature or category, and only then come up to the board.
In one session, the children copied a drawing from the board, did music and movement warm-ups, and learned something new: listen to a group instruction, raise their hand, say "I found it!", wait for permission and come up to the board. With each session the tasks get harder and the children more independent.
Who leads the group
The whole team takes part in group work: the ABA specialist, the speech therapist, speech rhythmics and creative sessions. Each of them includes imitation, table work, developing requests, group behavior and interaction with peers in their activities.
For children with ASD, ADHD and developmental delay, the center also has a day group: a small 2-hour group where each child gets more attention.