When children are welcomed into their first classroom, they may have some reservations if they do not know any of the other children or teachers. Most children will be apprehensive on their first day of preschool and you can make this transition easier by introducing children to each other in a large group activity. This will also be the first step to teaching children how to function together as a group. Try singing a song or playing a simple game in order for children to begin learning each other's names. For example, sing the tune to "Where is Thumbkin?" and change Thumbkin to the name of each child in your class. "Where is Ryan? Where is Ryan?" and allow the child to answer "Here I am! Here I am!" when the song calls for it. Change the song to introduce each child in the class. Try singing this song each morning for the first week of school in order to introduce children to each other and encourage everyone to learn names.
A sure way to encourage preschoolers to work in groups is to plan focused group art projects. One such project would be golf ball or tennis ball painting. For this activity, line a large empty tub, such as the plastic insert to a sensory table, with butcher paper. Tape the paper inside of the tub to prevent it from moving. Allow children to dip tennis balls or golf balls in tempera paint and place them in the tub on top of the paper. Have all of the children hold onto the tub and move it in several different directions, working together to make the balls move inside and cover the paper with paint. Have all the children sign the artwork when it is finished and display it prominently in your classroom.
Movement activities involving a parachute are always a big hit with preschoolers. Stress the fact that parachute activities are only successful when all the children are participating. If you do not have a parachute, use a king-sized sheet for the same effect. Play the "Popcorn" game by placing several small plastic or tennis balls in the center of the parachute and having each child hold on to it tightly. Tell them that popcorn starts popping slowly until the heat builds and the popcorn pops really fast. Have children work together to keep all of the "popcorn" in the parachute. For another parachute game that will also build listening skills, have children follow simple directions such as "Lift it over your head" or "kneel on the floor" or "shake it quickly." Give each child a chance to lead the group in giving simple directions.
While many children are uncomfortable in very large groups, most are OK in a small groups or pairs. To encourage the concepts of teamwork and looking out for one another, assign each child in the class a buddy. Explain that each time you move from one activity to another, through the school or onto the playground, each child must be responsible for holding his buddy's hand and making sure he is OK. Giving children someone to be responsible for will help build a sense of community and camaraderie in your classroom.