1. Large Group

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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”

6. 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

7. Large Group Activity Plan