Collaborative activities should be very interactive and must require the participation of each group member. This encourages each preschooler to perform a specific task, but this task should be integrated with the final goal of the activity. For example, preschoolers can build a small castle using building blocks, but with each child having a specific number of blocks to add to the castle.
Grouping can be done based on several aspects: ideal number of members, demographics, imposed or free choice of members, ability level and time of completion as determined by the activity. The teacher should be aware of the individual interests and abilities of every student, so that she will be able to create groups that have equal capabilities and common interests. Once the activity starts, the teacher should also regularly check each group's progress to monitor every student's level of participation.
Conflict may be inevitable during collaborative activities; however, even having a little conflict can make preschoolers improve their interpersonal skills as they learn to negotiate and accept their differences. To avoid extreme cases of disagreements, teachers should explain beforehand that such cases may arise. Teaching the preschoolers how to logically resolve conflicts, based on group dynamics and personalities, can often prevent extreme cases of disagreements. Teaching students about different learning styles and personalities in the simplest manner can also show them that each individual has a different personality.
Collaboration among preschoolers may be encouraged with several types of activities. Side-by-side projects let them figure out how things work or how simple events happen (floating objects, weight concepts, etc), or how to use their senses (blind tasting or listening). Outdoor projects, such as gardening, relay races, construction of sandcastles or with building blocks can also be done. Art projects, such as finger painting, mural making or buddy tracing are recommended. Acting and musical projects, such as play assignments and mini concerts are also good cooperative activities.