5.4: Planning for Small and Large Groups

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In early childhood classrooms, teachers have many choices when planning. One choice often made early in the planning process is whether an activity or lesson is better suited for a small or large group.

Planning for Small Groups

What is a Small Group?

What comes to mind when you hear the term 'small group'? Small group sizes will vary depending on the total number of participants. A small group may consist of four children when the total group size is twelve, or seven children when the total group size is twenty.

Benefits of Small Group Lessons/Activities

increased focus and attention
relationship building between adult/child and child/child
more opportunities for individualization
easier to manage a smaller group
children can be grouped according to interests, needs, strengths, etc.

Planning for Large Groups

What is a Large Group?

A large group typically includes all the children from a program or classroom. Children should have opportunities for whole-group activities multiple times a day to provide variety in a daily schedule. Not all activities can be carried out in a large group.

Typical Large Group Experiences

greetings/welcome
planning
reading books or storytelling
music
movement activities
group games
receiving instructions
mini-lessons
guest speakers or visitors
sharing
class meetings
reflection
problem-solving

Note

In FCS 490, we will explore the options for small and large group instruction in greater detail.

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