55.0 Overview
Quiet Time is calm, unstructured engagement that allows volunteers to build relationships with children through play, conversation, and other simple activities.
Quiet Time includes engagement that is not being conducted as part of a planned themed activity. These interactions do not require a formal lesson plan or organized
activity, but volunteers should still be attentive, involved, and intentional in the time they spend with the children.
Quiet Time provides opportunities for children to choose how they would like to interact and for volunteers to respond to their interests and needs.
55.1 Quiet Time Activities
Quiet Time activities vary depending on the children’s ages, abilities, interests, and the materials available at each partner site.
Quiet Time may include:
•Reading or looking at picture books
•Coloring or drawing
•Coloring or drawing with chalk
•Completing puzzles
•Playing board games or card games
•Playing matching or memory games
•Playing with blocks or building toys
•Playing with dolls, cars, or other available toys
•Participating in imaginative or pretend play
•Making simple, unstructured crafts
•Singing quiet songs or listening to music
•Practicing conversational English
•Helping informally with homework
•Talking with and listening to the children
•Taking a calm walk within an approved area
•Sitting with and comforting a child
•Watching and engaging with children as they play
Activities do not need to be elaborate to be meaningful. Ordinary moments of play, conversation, and companionship can help children feel noticed, valued, and supported.
55.2 Volunteer Engagement During Quiet Time
Quiet Time is not a break from volunteer service. Volunteers are expected to remain attentive, present, and actively engaged with the children.
During Quiet Time, volunteers should:
Follow the children’s interests whenever appropriate
Invite children to participate without pressuring them
Join children in their play rather than supervising from a distance
Give attention to children who may not naturally join group activities
Use available toys and materials respectfully
Help return toys and materials when the activity is finished
Adapt interactions to each child’s age, abilities, and needs
Volunteers should not feel that every interaction must be formally planned. The purpose of Quiet Time is to create space for calm, consistent connection through simple and natural interaction.
55.4 Supervision and Boundaries
All Quiet Time activities must follow OSSO’s child-safety standards and the rules of the partner organization.
Partner organization staff must remain present and responsible for the children during Quiet Time. Volunteers may not assume supervisory or custodial responsibility for a child.
Volunteers should remain within approved areas, use only appropriate activities and materials, and follow any instructions provided by partner organization staff.