Many of you responded to Sue Stout’s recent request for information, as she researched the common factors in parent and toddler groups where parents had explored the Christian faith. She writes:
“Thank you to all the toddler group leaders who took part in my research project. My findings are based on 126 completed questionnaires, representing all geographical regions of the country and from varied local communities. It was a great privilege for me to be in correspondence with so many of you and to be given insights into many of the groups. (Apologies to those of you who signed up to take part in the survey at the Playtime conference and yet didn’t hear from me – a number of those email addresses weren’t responsive.)
“The findings confirmed that local toddler groups are doing a marvellous job in our communities, not only by providing a place where parents with young children can go for friendship, support and constructive social stimulation, but also by providing a whole spectrum of extra activities, some of which are exclusively for parents, and others, for the whole family.
“Here’s a summary of the research. You’ll also find the detailed research findings here – chapter 6 is the most practical and relevant for toddler group leaders. If you would like to know more, you’ll find contact details at the end of the summary (click on the ‘summary’ link above).
Last Updated 27 July 2009
If you haven’t got space
We didn’t have space for all the kit you need to run a traditional Parent and Toddler Group so we started a Music and movement group instead. [Comment: You could do this with whatever talents you have in the church: a Big Cook; Little Cook Group; a Dance Group; A story time group.
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