When is it approapiate to work in groups and when is it better to work alone?

Question

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Answer 1

We almost always work in small groups but during free choice time, we will call one child over at a time and work with him/her on something they just aren't getting.  We do this each day with different children so each child is getting one on one if they need it at least once a week.

Answer 2

trade off between both. make sure they all get a chance and all work, not just one doing all the work or getting all the attention.

Answer 3

In preschool children should learn to work in groups, and alone on projects. I am 43 and have difficulty working in groups. My 11 year old son has difficulty working alone, but ecels in group work. Neither is a ideal situation. I think if children are taught to succeed in both situations at an early age. This is good, but to answer your question. I think it depends on the size of the project. A simple picture, or story - Alone. More complex tasks - Group. Phys ed sports are also a great group activity.

Answer 4

Why not let the children decide?

When they're working, if they want to work with someone, they can go off and work with that person.  

If they want to work alone, they can work alone.

There's no set time frame and it will vary from day to day.  As long as they are being respectful of each other and the environment (including the materials), why should you dictate that time frame? :-)

They know what they need better than we do.  

Matt

Answer 5

I think if you watch the children during free play you will see many who " work" more often during play and others who will chose to play alone. That is why it is good to have activities where the children either does his own work or where two or three or more children work together. Like at blocks many children might build together. At the art table the child might create alone. You can change this by doing a classroom collage or glue pieces of wood together on your own. It is appropriate to  include both group and individual activities.