5.3.18
Large Group Time
Large group time is designed to meet specific instructional goals such as:
- Build a sense of community and help children understand that they are a valued part of the group
- Introduce the plan for the day
- Introduce a new concept or material
- Encourage conversation and the sharing of ideas
- Extend children’s thinking
- Focus observation
- Large Group time may also be referred to as “Circle Time”.
Large Group Time allows children to:
- Practice communication skills
- Express thoughts, ideas and feelings
- Share the work they have been doing
- Talk about topics of interest
- Solve problems that affect the whole group
Large Group Time:
- Involves the whole class/entire group
- Occurs 1-2 times per day – morning and again at the end of the day
- Lasts 10-20 minutes, depending on age of the children and their interest
To ensure successful Large Group Time:
- Be prepared – have materials ready prior to starting Large Group Time
- Define space well – ensure there is adequate space for all children, free from distractions
- Include additional teaching staff for support
- Keep it short to hold interest – between 10-20 minutes
- Start group time in a similar way – sing a song
- For toddler (EHS) Large Group Time:
- Children need to have alternative activities to choose from
- Duration would be 3-5 minutes
Applies to Preschool (EHS)
- For EHS – may choose to use Large Group Time with toddlers/children over age 2, but it is not required.
Examples:
- Read a story before nap time
- Discuss plans for the next activity
- Solve a problem that occurred during choice time (free time)
- Welcome a special visitor
References
- Creative Curriculum for Preschool – Volume 1: Foundations
- See Large Group – pages 73-74
- See Daily Schedule – pages 81-88
- Supporting Learning through small and large groups – pages 172-178
- ECERS and All About ECERS book
- ITERS and All about ITERS book
- See Item 31: Group Play Activities
- Simple Transitions for Infants and Toddlers
- See Circle Time – page 95