What Makes a Successful Group Time for Preschoolers?

Keep It Short

• Preschoolers don't have a long attention span. Group activities that go on too long are bound to end in bored preschoolers looking for a way to distract and entertain themselves -- which has the potential to end in mayhem. Early Childhood News says that preschoolers can focus for only up to 15 minutes, but the California Head Start Association says that a limit of five minutes is more appropriate. Activities should be able to be completed within that time frame to be effective.

Choose the Right Timing

• Even if activities are kept short, preschoolers might have a hard time focusing if they are feeling restless. Teach Me to Talk recommends scheduling group time after preschoolers have had a chance to engage in some physical activity. Instead of using group time to start the day, teachers should use it to help preschoolers wind down or transition after active play. If that's not possible, movement should be incorporated into the activity, such as a game of Simon Says or a short dance.

Provide Visual Cues

• Preschoolers like to move. Even when they are sitting still, they are fidgeting. To help keep them in line, it is important to provide visual cues for where to sit during group time. A mat, beanbag, or circle drawn on the ground in chalk can all show preschoolers where to sit so that they don't end up too close to one another and distract each other from the activity. The visual cue can also keep preschoolers from slowly drifting out of their spot. Teachers can remind them to stay on their spot or within the boundaries of their circle during the activity.

Get Every Child Involved

• Activities should be developmentally appropriate and should involve every child in the group. Otherwise, the children may become bored or distracted, and the teacher could lose control of the group. Teach Me to Talk says that some age-appropriate activities for preschoolers include singing simple songs together or reading a short story with props. Visual aids, props, and hands-on activities can all engage energetic and curious preschoolers. If an activity isn't working, move on to a backup activity, or make a note to replace the activity with something else in future groups.