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 introduce the book The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle.

o I chose this activity because I feel it is a fun and interesting way to introduce
the topic of caterpillars and butterflies that we will be examining throughout
the week.


Activity #2
o Next, I will introduce the thematic unit topic of caterpillars to the children by
explaining to them that they will each receive a caterpillar to care for and
monitor so they can track its progression to a butterfly.


o I chose this activity because it is a great way to foster the childs growing
need for independence and responsibility by giving them ownership of their
project. It is also a way to add an element of personality to their caterpillars
and butterflies since the insects will be theirs and not the class.


Activity #3
o Next, I will explain the plan for the day as well as listen to any questions that
the children have so we can write them down later in a KWHL chart. I will
also take the time to introduce all the caterpillar related items to the class
room such as the caterpillar blocks in the block area and the fruit props related
to the story.


o I chose this activity because I want the children to be excited about the
butterfly theme as well as prepare them to explore the thematic unit in their
own unique way. It is also important that I listen to their questions so I can
revolve the activities around their interests as the week continues.


Transition Activity
o Finally, I will end my circle time and transition the children by dismissing all
the monarch caterpillars I select (a small group of children) to go with the
teacher to work on a separate activity. Meanwhile, I will take all the emperor
caterpillars with me to the small group area.


o I chose this transition activity because I feel it is a way to introduce terms and
species related to the unit in a way to provoke the children to think about the
differences in butterflies as well as each other.