Why Small Group Play Matters for Development

from a DIR/Floortime Therapy Perspective

Many parents ask why we recommend small group experiences when their child is already receiving individual therapy.

Individual therapy is an important foundation for growth. It allows therapists to build strong relationships, support regulation, address sensory needs, and target specific developmental goals in a highly individualized environment.

However, many of the skills children ultimately need to navigate everyday life cannot fully develop in one-on-one interactions alone.

From a DIR/Floortime perspective, development occurs through meaningful relationships and increasingly complex social experiences. While a child may learn foundational skills with a therapist, small group interactions provide opportunities to practice those skills with peers in real time.

In a small group setting, children naturally encounter experiences that support development, including:

• Sharing attention with multiple people

• Reading social cues and emotional signals

• Negotiating different ideas during play

• Waiting, taking turns, and managing frustration

• Expanding creativity and flexible thinking

• Initiating interactions with peers

• Maintaining engagement in longer social exchanges

• Solving problems collaboratively

These experiences create opportunities for growth that cannot be fully replicated in adult-directed or one-on-one environments.

Importantly, our groups are intentionally kept small. A small group allows children to experience the benefits of peer interaction while still receiving the support, co-regulation, and guidance they need to be successful.

Rather than expecting children to simply "participate" in a group, we use a DIR/Floortime approach to help them build the developmental capacities necessary for meaningful relationships and social learning. Therapists support children in understanding their peers' perspectives, expanding ideas, navigating challenges, and remaining engaged through moments of success and difficulty.

For many children, the transition from individual interactions to peer relationships is one of the most important developmental steps they can take. Small groups provide a safe and supportive environment to practice these skills while having fun and building confidence.

Our goal is not simply to teach social skills. Our goal is to help children develop authentic connections, emotional resilience, flexible thinking, and a stronger sense of self within relationships.

These are the foundations that support friendships, classroom success, and lifelong social-emotional growth.