NISSIMOU Summer Playgroup: Learning, Connecting and Growing Through Play
In July 2026, NISSIMOU launched a new pilot Summer Playgroup, the first specialised playgroup of its kind on the island of Spetses.
Led by our Occupational Therapist Maria Vrana and Pedagogist Arianna Thymaras, the 12-hour program brought together six children aged 5–8 in a playful, inclusive environment designed to encourage social interaction, creativity and connection.
Community Value
In addition to this, through this playgroup entirely sponsored by NISSIMOU, we created great community value. Indeed, most families whose children 2-12 years old visit our centre are facing a very tough challenge: SUMMER. During the whole 3 months long summer period, the island being a touristic destination and most parents being seasonal workers, families are faced with the challenges of their special needs children. This time of the year is when they need MORE support and MORE activities or adapted daycare solutions. And it turns out to be the time when they have… less.
This was our first try at providing local families a glimpse of vital, specialized support system during the peak tourist season when local resources are scarce, reducing parental stress and preventing summer social regression.
A Playgroup Built Around Imagination
Rather than following a rigid programme, the children became active participants in creating their own adventure: the story of a lion and a penguin.
Through storytelling and imaginative play, they were encouraged to make decisions together, exchange ideas, navigate different points of view and find solutions as a group.
The story provided a natural and engaging setting in which the children could interact freely, while giving our team the opportunity to observe and support social dynamics as they unfolded.
Growing Through Play
Play can create valuable opportunities for children to develop skills that extend far beyond the activity itself.
Throughout the six sessions, the children practised listening to one another, expressing their ideas, negotiating, compromising and resolving disagreements. They explored how to participate in a group while respecting different perspectives and finding ways to move forward together.
Children who did not previously know one another also had the opportunity to form new connections and experience what it means to become part of a group.
Learning Through Group Dynamics
The Summer Playgroup also offered an important learning opportunity for the NISSIMOU team.
Moving beyond the individual 1:1 therapy setting allowed our professionals to observe strengths, challenges and patterns of interaction that emerge specifically within a group.
These observations provide valuable insight as we continue to develop our approach to inclusive, play-based activities and future interventions for children on Spetses.
A First for Spetses
6 children, aged 5–8 years
6 playgroup sessions
1 shared adventure
And an important first step towards developing more inclusive group activities for children on the island.
The pilot demonstrated how a creative and supportive environment can bring children together through play while encouraging communication, cooperation and social connection.
Most importantly, the Summer Playgroup ended the therapeutic year with something every child needs: joy, imagination and a sense of belonging.
What Comes Next
For NISSIMOU, the Summer Playgroup was not simply a summer activity. It was an opportunity to explore a new format for supporting children and families on Spetses and to learn how inclusive group experiences can complement our therapeutic work.
The experience will help us continue developing activities that bring children together, encourage inclusion and create meaningful opportunities for learning through play.
Interested in future NISSIMOU playgroups?
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If you would like to help us continue creating inclusive programmes and expanding access to support for children and families on Spetses, you can also support NISSIMOU’s work.
