Large Group Activities
Large Group Activities are organized learning sessions where a teacher works with multiple children at once, typically the whole class. This teaching approach is essential in early childhood education, helping children develop social skills while learning. It includes activities like story time, music and movement, group discussions, or interactive games. Teachers use these sessions to teach concepts to many children simultaneously, encourage participation, and help children learn to take turns and respect others. This differs from small group activities or one-on-one instruction, as it requires specific classroom management skills and the ability to engage multiple children at different development levels at the same time.
Examples in Resumes
Developed and implemented Large Group Activities focusing on early literacy and numeracy skills
Led daily Large Group Time sessions incorporating music, movement, and interactive storytelling
Created engaging Large Group Learning experiences for classes of 20+ preschoolers
Typical job title: "Early Childhood Educators"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Early Childhood Educators
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Example Interview Questions
Lead Teacher Level Questions
Q: How do you plan and modify large group activities to accommodate children with different learning styles and abilities?
Expected Answer: A strong answer should discuss creating inclusive activities, using visual aids, incorporating movement, and having backup plans. They should mention examples of how they adjust activities based on children's engagement levels and developmental needs.
Q: How do you handle classroom management during large group activities with 20+ children?
Expected Answer: Look for answers that include specific strategies like clear routines, engaging transitions, positive reinforcement, and how to maintain children's attention. They should also mention how they handle disruptions while keeping the rest of the group engaged.
Experienced Teacher Level Questions
Q: What strategies do you use to keep children engaged during large group activities?
Expected Answer: Should describe using songs, puppets, interactive elements, and movement to maintain interest. Should also mention reading children's cues and knowing when to shift activities.
Q: How do you incorporate learning objectives into large group activities?
Expected Answer: Should explain how they blend educational goals with fun activities, such as using counting songs for math skills or interactive stories for language development.
Entry Level Questions
Q: What is the purpose of large group activities in early childhood education?
Expected Answer: Should discuss how these activities help develop social skills, listening abilities, and group learning while allowing teachers to present concepts to multiple children at once.
Q: What types of activities work well in large group settings?
Expected Answer: Should mention activities like morning meetings, story time, music and movement, simple games, and group discussions appropriate for young children.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic classroom management
- Leading simple circle time activities
- Following established lesson plans
- Basic behavior management
Mid (2-5 years)
- Creating engaging group activities
- Adapting activities for different ages
- Managing challenging behaviors
- Incorporating learning objectives
Senior (5+ years)
- Developing comprehensive activity plans
- Training other teachers
- Managing special needs inclusion
- Curriculum development
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unable to maintain classroom management during group activities
- No experience with age-appropriate activities
- Lack of understanding about child development stages
- Poor communication skills or inability to engage groups
- No knowledge of basic classroom safety protocols
