In any group setting, it's common to encounter a child who may seem less eager to join in the fun. Some children might prefer to sit out, while others might even resist participating altogether. So, how can you engage them without disrupting the entire programme? At Enrolmy, we understand that running children’s activities involves dealing with all kinds of personalities, and getting the reluctant ones involved is key to creating a well-rounded, inclusive experience. Here are 7 tips to help you out:
1. Get to the Root of the Issue
Is the child new to your programme, or are they usually active but having an off day?
Tiredness, hunger, peer conflicts, or even issues at home could be at play. It's important to be sensitive when talking to the child—pick the right moment to chat, and avoid drawing too much attention to them.
2. Gather a Group
Being part of a large group can be overwhelming for some children. Try breaking your group into smaller sections, and find other kids who share similar interests with the child to help bring them into the activity. Smaller groups might feel less intimidating and more welcoming.
3. Offer Limited Choices
Research shows that being presented with too many choices can lead to "choice paralysis." For some kids, having fewer options makes decision-making easier. Offer 2-3 activities they can pick from, and encourage them to try one for 5-10 minutes. If they’re still not keen, ask them for ideas about what they’d like to do. Of course, this needs to be negotiated- you're not running a tailor-made programme for every individual.
4. Be a Role Model
Sometimes, kids just need to see that it’s okay to get involved. Show enthusiasm by participating in the activities yourself. If the child seems reluctant, invite them to join you once the group has moved on to the next task. They might feel less self-conscious about trying something new if they think others are watching them.
5. Give Them an 'Out'
Some kids may want to dip in and out of activities—and that’s okay. Create a system where they can join in when they feel ready and take breaks if needed. This lets them feel supported, while ensuring you’re still able to manage the rest of the group effectively.
6. Celebrate Their Efforts
Positive reinforcement is key! Let the child’s parents know about the progress you’ve seen, even if it’s small. A step forward, no matter how tiny, is still progress. Encouragement and support can boost their confidence, making them more likely to participate in future activities and may love it.
7. Be Patient and Persistent, Give it Time
Every child warms up at their own pace. Some may jump right in on day one, while others may take days, or even some may only come out of their shell in the last few days of the programme to participate! Keep offering opportunities for them to engage, and don’t give up. It can be frustrating to always be met with a "No, I don't want to" but not asking them, or losing patience, will not help the child. Therefore consistent encouragement and patience are crucial to fostering their involvement.
Enhance Your Programme with Enrolmy
Engaging children who are reluctant to participate can be challenging, but with the right approach, it can also be incredibly rewarding. At Enrolmy, we provide the tools and resources to help kids' activity providers manage their programmes more effectively—whether it's breaking kids into groups or communicating with parents. By streamlining your administrative tasks, you’ll have more time to focus on creating a fun, inclusive environment that helps all kids thrive.
Have you worked with children who were initially reluctant to engage? What strategies worked for you? Share your experiences in the comments below!