Playgroups: From 18 Months to Kindergarten: A Complete Guide for Parents

Most parents probably think of a playgroup as informal and loosely structuredthe children play while the adults supervise and talk. Educator Wolper and freelance writer Levine acknowledge this type of laissez-faire arrangement (which fills ``the children's need for playmates and the parents' need for a steady source of support . . . and . . . friendship'') but also go way beyond. They discuss daily playgroups held in rented quarters with a professional group leader and offer advice on everything from determining parent compatibility to building a sandbox. After absorbing the abundant information presented, readers may feel ready to establish a preschool (as Wolper has in Manhattan) rather than just a playgroup. Despite its overwhelming detail, this work advances a sensible, realistic approach to playgroup issues, in addition to such general parenting problems as child-proofing the home and parent/child separation anxiety. The authors also provide a wealth of delightful art, music and play activities, and a helpful bibliography of books for both parents and children. Illustrations not seen by PW. (August)