When it comes to managing a large group of preschoolers, keeping them engaged and entertained can be a challenging task. However, with a little creativity and the right strategies, you can easily turn any gathering into a fun and memorable experience. Here are some 31 ideas for large group activities that will keep your little ones laughing and learning.
Edible Volcano
While volcanoes have been a staple at science fairs for as long as anyone can remember, what if I told you there’s a way to take it to the next level? Introducing an edible volcano with a prehistoric twist – dinosaurs! Yes, you read that right. This unique sensory bin combines the excitement of creating a mini-eruption with the thrill of discovering hidden dinosaur surprises.
Your preschoolers will be absolutely delighted by this interactive and tasty experience, making it a must-have activity for their science fair adventures.
Classroom Escape Room
Organizing an escape room activity for preschool children may seem unconventional, but it’s an exciting venture that can bring excitement and joy to a group of young learners. This idea is particularly suitable for celebrating special events like school fairs or activity days. Moreover, the concept can be scaled up to involve the entire school in a fun, bonding experience that fosters social skills and teamwork among students.
Alphabet Bingo Game
Bingo is a timeless classic that brings a burst of excitement and fun into any preschool classroom. But did you know it can also be an effective tool for teaching valuable skills to your little learners? By incorporating bingo into your lesson plans, you can help your preschoolers develop essential abilities like listening to cues, following instructions, and tracking their progress. You can use bingo to make learning numbers and the alphabet a hands-on, engaging experience.
To get started, take advantage of our free template or create your own custom bingo card sheet. The possibilities are endless!
Number Bingo
Building on the success of alphabet bingo, a number bingo activity can be a fantastic way to help your preschoolers develop their math skills. The process is similar, where you print out the template, distribute it to your young learners along with their chosen writing tools, such as pencils or fun stamps. Then, simply start calling out numbers and watch as they mark them on their cards.
This activity not only reinforces their understanding of numerals but also encourages active engagement and recognition.
Bucket Drumming
The nostalgia-inducing thrill of becoming a drummer is a universal childhood experience. Even preschoolers can’t resist the allure of transforming noise into music. To unleash your little one’s inner rockstar, try a DIY approach by turning an old bucket into a makeshift drum and equipping it with a pair of spoons or ladles. If you’re feeling adventurous, pots and pans can also be co-opted to create a lively rhythm – just be prepared for a cacophony of sounds!
Feed Me Monster Bean Bag Toss
As an adult, I still enjoy indulging in fun activities like bean bag toss. Just imagine how much excitement a group of preschoolers will bring to circle time with this simple yet engaging game. It’s an ideal activity to have up your sleeve for larger school celebrations like fairs or carnivals. Setting it up is a breeze, and you can even create a ‘Feed Me’ monster version that’s perfect for preschoolers.
Not only is bean bag toss a blast, but it also happens to be an excellent way to develop gross motor skills – one of the best preschool activities for this area of development.
Rainbow Jelly Sensory Bin
Sensory experiences play a vital role in shaping the young minds of preschoolers. By exposing them to various textures and colors, these activities help children adapt to new sensations and feelings. A sensory bin I particularly enjoy is one filled with rainbow jelly – a delightful combination of wiggly jelly and vibrant colors. Preschoolers will be utterly captivated by squishing through the jelly, searching for hidden treasures that foster their gross motor development.
And if some of the jelly happens to find its way into their tummies, well, that’s just an added bonus!
Colour Matching
Integrating fun and learning, matching colors is an excellent way to develop your preschoolers’ color recognition skills. This activity is adaptable to various age groups and skill levels, making it suitable for both preschool-age children and older school-going kids. To take it a step further, consider incorporating a rainbow color wheel, which not only enables color matching but also fosters the ability to read and recognize corresponding color words.
Spider Web Obstacle Course
When faced with a rainy day and a room full of energetic kids, obstacle courses like the spider web activity are a great way to keep them engaged and active. To set it up, simply loop string across the room in a web-like pattern, creating an interactive and collaborative experience for your preschoolers. This activity not only provides a fun and challenging outlet for their energy but also fosters teamwork as they work together to create the obstacles.
All you need is some string, and your students can even take turns setting it up, promoting team building and problem-solving skills in the process.
Alphabet Scavenger Hunt
For preschoolers, an easy game of scavenger hunt can be a wonderful way to tire them out before naptime. One of the best things about scavenger hunts is their versatility – you can create many different variations and themed hunts that cater to your children’s interests. A great example of this is an alphabet-themed scavenger hunt. The concept is simple: have your kids search for objects in a designated space, such as the playground or classroom, that start with each letter of the alphabet.
This activity encourages exploration, problem-solving, and active learning while providing a fun way to get some exercise.
Simon Says
With a treasure trove of possibilities at your fingertips, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to bringing the classic game of Simon Says to life with your preschoolers. As the self-proclaimed ‘Simon’, you’ll be amazed by how effortlessly this activity can corral a sizable group of tiny tots and keep them fully engaged under your watchful eye.
Here are some tried-and-true commands to get you started: touch your shoulder, run in place, hop like a bunny, or even touch your toes – the possibilities are endless!
Yoga for Kids
Introducing children to yoga can be an incredibly rewarding experience, and starting them early can lay the groundwork for a lifelong passion for physical activity. When it comes to engaging preschoolers in yoga, creativity is key. By designing a fun and varied sequence that incorporates breathing exercises, stretches, and other techniques, you can keep your little ones engaged and eager to learn more.
Paper Plate Apple Craft
Paper plate crafts offer a cost-effective and stress-free solution for large groups of preschoolers. The simplicity and affordability of these activities make them an ideal choice when working with young children. One such project is the paper plate apple craft, which requires minimal setup and materials. This activity involves using paper plates, paint, cardstock, and basic crafting supplies. To help guide your little ones, you can also print out an apple template to distribute among them.
Apple Stamp Pumpkin Craft
If your kids enjoyed the apple-themed craft activity, you’re in luck! There’s always room for more creativity and fun with apples. One such delightful project is an apple pumpkin stamping activity that strikes just the right balance between engaging and messy, ensuring your little ones stay invested and enthusiastic about participating.
Kitchen Utensil Collaborative Painting
When it comes to keeping preschoolers engaged and stimulated, collaborative art activities are a great way to go. Rather than relying on individual crafts or toys, these types of activities encourage creativity and self-expression while also fostering social skills through shared experiences. One effective way to implement this is by repurposing everyday objects as painting tools.
For example, grab a selection of kitchen utensils like whisks, spatulas, and wooden spoons and set them up for the kids to use as applicators in a painting activity. The unique textures and shapes of these tools will add an extra layer of fun and creativity to their artwork, allowing them to experiment with different designs and patterns.
Shaving Cream Art
The next time you’re at a supermarket, why not grab some bottles of shaving cream? This unexpected item has a hidden talent – it can be transformed into a fun and unique paint for your preschoolers to enjoy. Simply gather a few bowls and fill them with the shaving cream. Then, add a few drops of tempera acrylic paint and mix until you achieve the desired shade, from dark to light. For an added textural element, introduce a few globs of glue and watch as it creates a delightfully fluffy effect.
Texture Rubbing Art
Texture rubbing art is an innovative form of print-making that yields unique results. To create this art, you’ll need a pencil, crayon, or colored applicator, along with a textured surface like a leaf. By running your chosen tool over the raised elements of the object, you’ll discover that the intricate patterns and veins become even more pronounced, almost as if they’re being highlighted.
This fun and creative process is perfect for kids, who will love creating their own prints on a new sheet of paper by reproducing the textures and patterns found in nature.
Fall Playdough Sensory Craft
With the ability to create homemade playdough from scratch, the possibilities are endless. This versatility allows you to take on any creative challenge that comes your way – whether it’s a classroom full of preschoolers in need of some engaging sensory activities or even just a spontaneous afternoon of play for yourself. The fall season is a great time to get creative with a sensory craft that combines the textures and colors of the season.
By incorporating cookie cutters, kids can create their own unique branches and leaves, adding an extra layer of fun and imagination to this already engaging activity.
Hot Potato Game
A classic, ageless, and entertaining group activity that thrives in large gatherings, such as a preschool classroom with dozens of young students. Here’s how it works: imagine a ‘hot potato’ and an abundance of crunchy ‘potato chips’. The objective is straightforward – the kids need to pass the hot potato around, and when the music suddenly stops, the person holding the potato at that moment gets to grab a chip.
This process continues until one individual accumulates three chips, at which point they’re the first to exit the game.
Letter Recognition Worksheet
Recognizing and recalling the alphabet’s 26 letters is a crucial skill for preschoolers. However, it’s equally vital for young children to be able to identify their own name’s letters. This understanding lays the foundation for future literacy skills. To make this learning experience engaging and effective, consider incorporating a theme that resonates with your child’s interests.
For instance, you can create a zoo-themed worksheet, which can serve as a starting point for a fun and interactive activity.
Mystery Box
Imagine the thrill of unwrapping a vibrant, mysterious package that leaves your kids eagerly anticipating the big reveal until the very end of class! Little do they know, this enigmatic box is actually an engaging sensory activity that will tantalize all five senses. To ensure their young minds remain focused and stimulated, it’s crucial to isolate one sense at a time, preventing overwhelming stimulation.
This tactile treasure chest is designed specifically to hone in on the sense of touch, inviting your students to explore, discover, and learn through this multisensory experience.
Bubble Art
Incorporating bubble art activities with a dash of science creates an unbeatable combination for entertaining preschoolers. This approach not only provides a fun way to learn about various scientific concepts, such as hyperbolic pressure, but also offers a unique opportunity to make complex ideas more accessible and engaging. Additionally, the messiness that inevitably follows is a major draw for these young learners – just be prepared with plenty of paper towels on hand!
Freeze Tag
When it’s time to take a group of energetic preschoolers on an outdoor adventure, why not try mixing things up with a twist on the classic game of freeze tag? This activity is sure to bring a splash of fun to your playground or park outing. To play, simply gather your young players and fill up some spray bottles with water. Then, get ready for a messy good time!
Sensory Walk
Children’s innate love for spending time outdoors is undeniable. A sensory activity that combines learning with nature can be a masterfully crafted lesson plan. Imagine taking your kids outside on a crisp fall afternoon – they’ll be surrounded by vibrant foliage, the crunch of leaves beneath their feet will create an auditory experience, and the cold air will tantalize their taste buds. It’s an idyllic scenario that fosters connection with nature.
Stacking Cups STEM Challenge
Want to foster growth, problem-solving, and creativity in your preschoolers? Look no further! This engaging STEM challenge activity not only promotes coordination and fine motor skills but also sparks imagination and builds something tangible. To get started, gather the following materials: cups, large popsicle sticks, and a plastic character. Feel free to substitute tongue depressors, craft sticks, or cut-out cardboard strips if you don’t have those on hand – the possibilities are endless!
Spaghetti Bead Tower
For this activity, I’ve been fortunate enough to draw upon a treasure trove of beads accumulated over the years. The box is typically a vibrant mix of spaghetti beads, ideal for unleashing creativity. To begin, you’ll need to gather a few dry spaghetti sticks from your pantry, along with your stash of beads and that rainbow-hued playdough residue left over from a previous creative session.
Once you have these materials at the ready, simply insert the spaghetti sticks into the clay and start beading them!
Alphabet Musical Chairs
Imagine the thrill of musical chairs, but multiply it by a group of rambunctious kids! This activity has the potential to exhaust them thoroughly, leaving them ready to focus on more cerebral pursuits. To play, you’ll need flashcards featuring the alphabet, which can be easily created using readily available materials like foam letters or even handmade cards.
Counting with Cards
Transform math time into a fun and engaging activity for your preschoolers using a familiar pack of UNO cards. Grab one or two decks, depending on the number of children participating, and start by separating the numbers 1-10 within each color category from the additional cards in the deck.
Fizzy Painting
Imagine a painting activity that combines creativity with science – sounds like a recipe for fun! A fizzy painting activity is exactly what it sounds like. To get started, you’ll need to gather some essential supplies: watercolor paper, food coloring, vinegar, baking soda, and croppers. Don’t forget to have plenty of paper towels on standby to help contain any spills and make cleanup a breeze.
Shadow Puppet Play
For a peaceful afternoon indoors with a group of energetic preschoolers, consider turning to printable shadow puppets featuring adorable animals. These engaging activities offer countless hours of imaginative play, and our easy-to-use templates make setting up a breeze. Simply download the desired animal designs, print them on white cardstock, and you’re ready to bring the show to life.
Story Stones
In ancient times, humans would etch their experiences onto rocks and cave walls, leaving behind a visual record of their lives. This practice highlights the universal desire to share stories, regardless of the medium. Fast-forward to today, and we can adapt this concept for modern storytelling with young children. Grab some flat stones and get creative! Paint vibrant masterpieces alongside your preschoolers, allowing them to express themselves through art.
