Preschool teachers-Help! I teach preschool and this year I have a very young class.?

Question

The children are 21/2-31/2 years old. I tried to do a quick circle time but it started getting out of control. There are 15 kids in my class. It's a co-op so there are 4 parents working each day. I know I need to do lots of movement - do you have any tips for this age group?
( Since it's a co-op I have parents watching me every moment and it can be embarrasing to have a group get out of control) Please don't send rude comments like"You shouldn't be teaching, blah, blah blah, I have been teaching for years and love it, but it has always been 4-5 year olds.

Answer 1

i understand, switching to a younger age group can be challenging having parents watching is something you have to get a grip on. i know for a fact they couldn't do as well as you. they probably don't realize that things are out of hand. just always try to look in control and the kids and parents will follow your lead. it will get better as the year progresses. with the circle thing can you use colored tape make a circle on the floor have the kids stand on it.that way the get the idea of what a circle is and where they are supposed to put their feet. get the parents involved. have them join hands with the kids say something like " MRS.A take john & mary hands MRS. B. take joe & ann hands " and soforth 4 parenrts & 1 teacher = 5 adults 5 adults x 2 kids each = 10 kids in control. i am sure you can take it from there.GOOD LUCK

Answer 2

http://www.coreknowledge.org/CK/resrcs/lessons/01_PreK__Movement.pdf
for movement u could assign 3 children per adult start simple like I stand up I sit down have adults together demonstrate all motions first. I turn around we hold hands we jump they have to learn individually first because they have never been a group.
for going for a walk get a rope tie equidistant knots each child holds a knot and u learn to walk in line lead the line around into a circle and u learn to make a circle
imitate animal movements,
establish a signal where we "come to quiet" praise praise praise
be sure to reinforce ur parents with constant praise too
save all negative comments for much later in the year

Answer 3

When I taught this age, we set up more then one short activity around the room-a music table, an art activity, a blocks station etc. Since you have 4 parents you should be able to do that. Also, physical activity-a gym or playground-is a good option as well.