EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network - Playing Together Constructively

Playing Together Constructively

Introduction

The Samenspel (Playing Together) programme and the enrichment programmes, SamenTaal (Doing Language Together) and SamenRekenen (Doing Maths Together), have been designed to stimulate the development of children aged 0 to 6 and to assist parents in child raising.

Problem

How can parents help to prevent their children from falling behind in their development?

Description

In the Samenspel (Playing Together) method, the approach is based on the qualities and know-how of the parents as well as the importance of learning by sharing experiences with others. This promotes the parents’ self-confidence in their own abilities. In order to achieve this, the experiences of the parents and children are closely considered.

Samenspel is conducted in playgroups, community centres, primary schools or welfare centres. The activities that are done in a Samenspel group complement the activities that take place in the playgroups and primary schools. A group of ten parents and their children aged 1½ to 4 meet as a Samenspel group once or twice a week. In order to reach this group, a specially developed enrolment programme tailored to the chosen target group was followed.

Approach

SamenTaal
SamenTaal is a level of Samenspel that pays particular attention to language. According to the Samenspel method, weekly meetings are organised within the framework of SamenTaal for mothers and children in the target group. The mothers and children follow a programme of 20 or 40 weeks, after which they receive a certificate.

SamenRekenen
This project uses approx. 40 play activities for parents and children that stimulate the mathematical development of children. The training consists of six meetings in which infant school teachers teach working with SamenRekenen. SamenRekenen is also being further developed for primary school children between the ages of 4 and 5. A number of primary schools are participating in this and shall try the play activities on parents and children in their schools.

Results

The SamenTaal programme has since been used by various Samenspel groups and has also been implemented at other playgroups. SamenRekenen is currently being tried out by a number of test locations (Samenspel groups and playgroups). As of the 2004-2005 school year the programme will be implemented throughout the Netherlands.

Contact info

Stichting Samenspel Op Maat (Foundation Playing Together Constructively)
Phone: +31 10 2417370
stichting@samenspelopmaat.nl

Project start date

01/01/1997

Document type

case

Themes

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Education

Keywords

Primary education