Preschool Small Group Activity Ideas
Welcome to the Preschool Small Group 5-Day Series! It's Day 3!
If you haven't already, check out Days 1 and 2:
Day 1: Five Reasons to Have Preschool Small Group
Day 2: How to Effectively Group Preschoolers for Small Group
Now, let's get started!
You know the benefits of having small group time {check}
You've got your groups all grouped up {check}
Now it's time to figure out what to do when you call those groups to meet together!
First and foremost- decide on what skills you will focus on. These should be skills that you have assessed and want mastery.
For an example, I have used the following focus skills in the past:
- 2D Shapes
- Colors
- Name Recognition
- Name Writing
- Counting
- Sorting
- Patterning
- Numeral Identification
- Letter Identification
- Number Sense
But, you could have any skill that you see a need for with your current group of students.
During Small Group
It is extremely important to keep your small group time engaging and fun. No one is going to want to come join you for 'worksheet' time at the table when they could be playing. #sorrynotsorry
Types of Things to Do in Small Group:
GAMES: Just like Mary Poppin's says "In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun." and Games are naturally fun (no spoon full of sugar needed).
Path games, bingo games, roll & color or the cover-up game are all great games that can focus on specific skills. See the photos below for examples:
MANIPULATIVES: Children like to touch things... and break things ...and lick things... because- well because they are children! So, bringing in manipulatives to touch and explore helps keep their interest (just make sure they keep their tongue to themselves - ewww).
Some manipulative ideas include geoboards, playdough, sensory materials (like rice, beans, sand) and fun 'Feed Me' boxes. See photos below for examples:
ACTIVITIES: Activities may not be as cool as games, but they can certainly be fun. Plus, people love to feel accomplishment when they complete a task and activities are great for this.
Activity ideas include sorting, matching, puzzles and going on a hunt! See photos below for examples:
Like these Small Group activity ideas?
I've made what I do in my small groups available to you. I've got a Small Group Pack for each of the 10 skills listed above. Each skill has 10 lessons within in.
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