Large Group

Why Do We Include Large Group or Circle Time in Preschool? Provides an opportunity social and emotional development Provides an opportunity for activities for language and literacy development Provides a time to introduce new toys and materials that will be available in the classroom Perhaps the most important reason is to provide opportunities for children to experience a sense of belonging to a group

Successful Large Group Times Planned in advance Incorporate routines Account for children’s attention spans Based on children’s language abilities Based on children’s interests Allows for active participation Minimal waiting time Use large and small muscles

Guidelines for Planning Circle Times Schedule for 10 to 15 minute periods Use the activity to help gather children together Make all activities interactive and involve all children Allow for individualization Use visuals when needed Make activities meaningful and interesting

Guidelines for Planning Circle Times (continued) Acknowledge and support each child’s contribution Set up the activity for success Don’t put children on the spot Allow children to let other children help them Use to introduce “guest” Use for “sharing time”

Assisting Individual Children During Circle Time Sit on carpet squares Sit in chairs Mark places on the floor with tape Give individual children the option of an alternative activity

Large Group Activity Plan