Large Group Time (Circle Time) Planning Form

Name: ___Alex Hernandez_____ Date: ________05/22/14__________

Length of large group time _15 minutes____ to ___20 minutes___________

Size of group____12-24 children___ Age of children __4 year olds________

Activities/Purpose:

Activity #1
o First I will read the book Amazing Butterflies and Moths by John Still to the
class before beginning our discussion of the differences between Butterflies
and Moths. I will use larger versions of the pictures in the book to illustrate
more clearly the differences in appearances, habitats, and food sources related
to the moths.

o I chose this activity because it is a good way to introduce concepts related to
comparison and contrast when it comes to analyzing different items that look
the same but are not the same. I will encourage the children to examine the
aesthetic qualities and textural qualities of the caterpillars at a glance before
delving further in for closer examination.

Activity #2
o Next, I will have the children create a Venn diagram with me to list off the
qualities of the different moths and butterflies that we talked about as well as
the insects that we have seen in the story.

o I chose this activity because it allows for a lot of critical thinking, will allow
the children to implement their observational skills that they have been honing
over the week, and it will allow them to gain an artistic appreciation of the
subject they are observing. By having the children examine the caterpillars
and butterflies in a critical way they will gain a better understanding of really
categorizing ideas based on investigation not by passing glances. The Venn
diagram is also a useful tool to provide children so they can analyze subjects
more closely and in a more organized fashion. Venn diagrams will come in
handy for the later small group activity since it will help the children draw
inspiration to create their works based on their observation and their ideas.


Activity #3
o Next, I will introduce the new materials that will be integrated into the theme
to highlight the caterpillar to butterfly transformation. Specifically, I will have
the children help me make papier mache to create cocoons for the caterpillars
to emerge in.

o I chose this activity because it is important to provide the children with a
variety of materials to create art in open ended ways. Papier mache is also a
fun, inexpensive, sensory activity that teaches children about chemistry and
math to create the materials they will use in their project. I will also introduce
new materials for them to use to create their artwork such as clay, paint, and
sketchbooks. I will also make sure to help the children pick their favorite
butterfly and favorite moth to have them explore the differences between their
chosen insect (there will be two of the same moth should children want the
same moth or butterfly).


Transition Activity
o Finally, I will end my circle time and transition the children by first
dismissing the children in two separate groups (one being moths other being
butterflies) to go clean up at the sink with the assistant teacher while I keep
my group engaged with creating enough papier mache for the class. I will then
ask the children who were working with me to float like a butterfly toward the
sink and we will extend our arms and flap our wrists to mimic butterfly wings
flapping.


o I chose this transition activity because dismissing children by groups reduces
the likelihood of behavioral problems occurring. I also reinforce their
psychological development by referring to them each by their individual
names. I also chose this activity because it is engaging and allows for the
children to have fun which keeps them interested in the transition and less
inclined to be bored as well as treats their time with respect.