When I started my teaching career, I often struggled with crowd control. I felt like a loser—or like Ross from Friends trying to handle chaos in his own quirky way. Teaching in groups and managing groups is a difficult skill, but there is a key to making it work.
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/5fiaknx2fwpoahfgaby3a/Large-group-times.m4a?rlkey=i9arvua86qvcqtc55tys71m5y&st=hfuyjexn&dl=0: Unpopular opinion: large group times are overrated.
The best way to avoid burnout when working with groups is to minimise group learning sessions. For example, I invited children to join small group music or storytelling sessions throughout the day. This not only made the experience more manageable for me but also created a more engaging environment for the children. As a result, I reduced large group time to just once a day. I used it as an opportunity to foster a sense of community connection.
I also cut down the length of circle time. Instead of sticking to a rigid schedule, I started paying closer attention to the children’s body language and engagement levels. Some days, they would be fully engaged for 10 minutes. On other days, they could sustain 40 minutes of group learning. The key is to stay flexible and responsive to the children’s needs.
Large group times can be valuable, but they can also be overrated if overused or poorly managed. For me, the focus has shifted to finding balance. Large group sessions work best when they are meaningful. They should be intentionally planned. They should not be treated as a routine to follow regardless of the children’s readiness or interest.
Small group activities have proven to be a game changer in my teaching practice. They allow for deeper connections, more personalised interactions, and a calmer atmosphere. It’s easier to engage children on an individual level in smaller settings. This makes the learning experience more effective and enjoyable for everyone involved.
If you’re struggling with managing large group times, think about how you can focus on what really matters. Start by observing the children’s engagement. Pay attention to their body language, and let that guide the duration of the activity. Engagement is a much better measure of success than sticking to a set time on the clock.
You might want to limit large group sessions to once a day. Use them for specific purposes, like building a sense of community. When large groups aren’t necessary, break the children into smaller groups for activities like music or storytelling. This not only makes participation easier but also creates space for more meaningful interactions.
Flexibility is crucial. Not every day will be the same. Some days the children might be ready for longer sessions. On other days, they may need something shorter and more dynamic. Reflect on what you’re hoping to achieve with large group times. If the purpose isn’t clear, consider if the activity is truly necessary. Alternatively, think about whether there is a better way to achieve your goals.
Small groups can achieve more individualised learning and offer targeted opportunities for communication and peer scaffolding. Also, no “I can’t see ” comments
What are your thoughts on large group times? Are they overrated in early childhood settings? Share your experiences or strategies for managing groups effectively in the comments below.
