Group time is often one of the most challenging parts of the day for both children and adults. This session helps educators examine why group times can feel dysregulating and how adult presence, pacing, and expectations shape children’s participation and sense of safety, agency, and belonging.

Through reflection and practical, relational strategies, you will explore how to move away from power struggles and compliance-based expectations and toward shared regulation, flexibility, and connection. Participants will leave with concrete ways to support meaningful participation during group time while honoring individual differences and developmental needs.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Participants will be able to:

• Reflect on why group times can be challenging for both children and adults by considering developmental needs, nervous system regulation, and the relational dynamics present during whole-group experiences.

• Explore how adult presence, pacing, and expectations influence children’s sense of safety, agency, and participation during group time.

• Identify relational, developmentally responsive strategies that support shared regulation and meaningful participation while honoring individual differences among children.