Personnel

Te Ao Hou, March 1967, Page 43

Personnel Although it is important for any organised play group to have at the helm a knowledgeable person, equally important is it that this knowledgeable person shall be in every respect her natural self—a guide rather than a controller. To manage this effectively, a welcome must be extended to the parents of the children. It is for them to carry the responsibility, and feel their self-respect grow as they carry the responsibility for the group. This welcome must be further extended to all members of the community, especially the grandparents, so that they may contribute their wisdom. Young children can be extremely curious, active people, and to give each child the care and attention he deserves, both physically and mentally, many understanding adults are required. Sometimes one adult for one child is required, which means that the size of the group is best kept down to about 20 children, of mixed ages below five. So we can describe the best kind of group this way: 20 children and between 12 to 20 adults all busy in a community group once or twice a week. The families in the community organise this group and equip it to reflect them and the community in when they live.