“I stay with my group”: a preschool workshop in Szczecin
“Come around the corner, I want to show you something” is an invitation that two puppets can act out. Children listen to one puppet’s reply and suggest words of their own. This small scene makes it possible to talk about boundaries through play.
Focus on the request
The trainer can change the puppet’s appearance and repeat the same invitation. Children consider what the character is asking and who agrees when they can leave the playground. A friendly voice or familiar face still leaves room to check with their carer.
Let children find their words
One child might say “I’m staying with my teacher”; another might point to the teacher and walk over. Both responses can be rehearsed. The adult thanks the child and asks what happened. Children experience the kind of response they can expect from someone they trust.
Reinforcing the message at home and preschool
After the workshop, parents and teachers can use the same simple language. Children practise telling their carer about an invitation to go somewhere, asking for help and expressing that they do not want contact. Short, calm examples are easier to understand than long lists of dangers. There is no need to frighten a child or test them through deception.
The workshop title introduces rules rather than judging people by appearance. A familiar face does not replace agreed collection arrangements. Adults should establish who can collect a child and how changes are confirmed. Safe collection remains the adults’ responsibility; a workshop does not transfer it to the child.
Before the visit
Share the group’s age, size and familiar terms for carers. Afterwards, teachers can revisit one scene during ordinary play. Parents then have a concrete example of something their child already knows and can try again.
WCSiB · Samoobrona Poznań · Samoobrona Warszawa