Table 1.
(A) Group session activity agendas and (B) session activity agendas
| Activity | Time (minutes) | Name | Description |
| (A) | |||
| Activity 1 | 10 | Programme introductions Introductions Ice breaker |
Facilitator introduces the programme Dyad introduction In a box, collect items that symbolise ideas and activities: toys, hygiene item, object that can be used as a toy, nursing item, info on vaccines, picture of mom playing with baby, picture of baby clapping, etc. Each participant picks out an object and they describe how they think it relates to the overall topic of the project. This will allow introduction of the project content and allow caregivers to express their understanding of pertinent project items. |
| Activity 2 | 5 | Group norms | Confidentiality, importance of learning from each other, agenda for the day, etc… |
| Activity 3 | 5 | Tips | Tip related to child health and hygiene: (1) washing hands; (2) skin care for the baby (umbilical cord care); (3) perinatal care/ caring for the body after birth Provide a handout with information. |
| Activity 4 | 30 | ‘Serve and return’ concepts and practice | Play and Communication Activities: refer to activity guide Free play in small groups: Caregivers can choose the game and groups as small as two dyads practice ‘serve and return’. Facilitator and assistant give suggestions/congratulations to each group; flip charts can give ideas if needed. |
| Activity 5 | 30 | Home experience/social support and problem solving | Each mom shares experiences or ideas of stimulation and playing games in the home. If not first session, practice since the last session Open conversation: Reflect on and offer examples of barriers to stimulation in the home and/or frustrations related to their child’s development. Reach out to the group to brainstorm solutions and ideas on how to better integrate lessons learnt from the group to daily life. |
| Activity 6 | 15 | Close | Reflection on the session and suggestions and tips shared between caregivers. The facilitator and assistant will encourage caregivers’ enthusiasm. End with the same song every session to allow for another exercise to engage the caregiver and infant. |
| (B) | |||
| Activity 1 | 5 | Village Health Worker (VHW) Introduction Family Introductions |
I would like to spend some time understanding how the family is getting on with the play and communication activities recommended from the group sessions at the clinic on early childhood development. |
| Activity 2 | 30 | Home experience and problem solving | Talk to mom about experiences of stimulation and playing games in the home. Ask about progress since group session. Ask to see an example of an activity that the caregiver does with the child. Ask caregiver to reflect on and offer examples of barriers to stimulation in the home and/or frustrations related to their child’s development Remember to praise and encourage caregiver and reassure caregiver. |
| Activity 3 | 30 | ‘Serve and return’ concepts and practice | Play and Communication Activities: refer to individual session activity guide With mom and any additional family member pick one play activity and one communication activity per visit to observe with caregiver. |
| Activity 4 | 15 | Close | Ask caregiver if they have any questions and/or concerns Reiterate concepts and importance of play and communication activities Plan for next visit. |