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Group Activity Games to Play With Kids Ages Two to Five

Group activities for young children can be difficult, as toddlers and preschoolers often have unpredictable temperaments. Sharing, taking turns and following directions are often hard for children, especially in a group setting where they can become easily distracted. However, experiencing group play gives children the opportunity to participate in interactive experiences and practice compromising skills. You can organize young children into group activities by choosing things they can do with simple instruction.

Musical Instuments
- Children are good at making noise and being loud. Give them different instruments such as shakers or other noise makers. Allow them an opportunity to use and explore their instruments in free play. Once free play is over, arrange children in a circle. You can now instruct them to do various things with their instruments. They can play their instruments up high, down low, in front of or behind them. They can march while using their instruments and use them to keep a steady beat. End the activity by having the children play along to a song that can be played on a CD player or sung by the group.
Bubble Stations
- Bubbles can provide lots of fun for young children and can be used in various ways. Prepare the activity by setting up bubble stations. It is best to have an adult at each station to ensure the activity is followed properly. Station one should include bubble solution and bubble wands of all shapes and sizes. Children should take turn being the bubble "blowers" and bubble "poppers." Station two should include bubble tubs. Plastic tubs should be filled with bubble bath and children should be given various toys to play with in the tub. Station three is the bubble wrap station. Instruct children to jump up and down on the bubble wrap and listen to the popping sound. Children should spend 10-15 minutes at each station and then rotate as a group.
Playdough
- Playing with playdough is a calm and quiet activity that children can do together. You should provide children with various cookie cutters so they can make different shapes with their playdough. Encourage them to use their imagination. Playdough can lend itself to learning as younger children can be taught color recognition and older children can develop their math skills by counting out playdough balls. Children can also use their playdough to make faces to express different feelings.

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