How can i encourage group discussions in my preschool room?

Question

l need to create some opportunities to encourage group discussions and exchange of views between the children in my class. Anyone got any interesting ideas? Thanks!

Answer 1

Wow..exchange of views between preschool children. What are you discussing? Politics?

I think when I was in preschool I expressed myself with crayons, play time, and make belief. I would take naps in between. Nowadays we are asking way too much of our children. Let our kids be kids. They can always exchange views when they are adults.

Answer 2

You'll probably have to guide them a lot with questions ("Johnny, what do you think?") etc.  But I think it might be difficult for that age--good luck though! :)

Answer 3

I think it would be extremely difficult to do this since kids tend to copy each other at this age.  But maybe you could ask them questions individually about a book, and then ask them to raise their hands if they agree, if they don't agree, why not?

Answer 4

get them enthusiastic about the topic. but you must make sure they are confident to speak out in front of their peers. to best to do ice breakers and small group activities. then they should have the confidence to speak and to ask q's. when a child is enthusicastic about something, then you must make sure they don't get discouraged!

Answer 5

It sounds like you're trying to promote language and social development.  This really isn't all that difficult.  

*Choose a topic that you know they are interested in.  It can be anything you're hearing a lot about right now.  Bunk beds?  Batman?  Dinosaurs?  Going swimming?  A recent field trip such as the zoo?  Going camping?  Bike riding or skateboards?  Ask the group to "raise your if you have bunk beds"  Then ask individual questions such as, "you don't?  what kind of bed do you have?  do you share a room with your brother?"  After a couple of kids respond you can say "I see a lot of you have something interesting to tell us about this.  Turn to your neighbor and tell him/her about your bunk bed/dinosaurs/brother/camping trip/etc."  

*You could also start by having the kids draw a picture of something specific, like their pet, their bike, etc. then show their drawing to whoever is sitting next to them and tell about their drawing.

*Have a sharing day:  one child at a time gets to bring in something from home, anything that will fit in the sharing bag (ours is a pillow case!) and show it to the class, and the other children will get a chance to hold it and ask questions about it.  Think it through ahead of time so you can establish the rules, such as will the kids be allowed to play with the item after it's been "shared" or should the item be put away?

Answer 6

Small group share and tell.  I find it is very beneficial to "assign" something for them to bring in.  Whether it be theme related or something to the effect of a "kitchen tool" (no knives please :-)), Something that begins with the letter ___., Your favorite pair of socks., something that is your favorite color, etc.  This always provides some amazing group discussion.  Children need to be taught how do "socialize" and learn conversation rules and this is a wondeful way to get there interest...it's something concrete and meaningful.  Asking a question to the group is fine and dandy but at this age they do better when they can actually hold onto something and share thoughts and opinions.

Answer 7

Anytime you read a book to the children you can encourage them to discuss it...specially at circle time....