Small Versus Large Groups
The Water Watchdog program is very versatile and can easily be adapted for small or larger groups. Each child should have their own copy of the Logbook.
One of the challenges to using the program is what to do with large numbers of children. Although ‘Water Watchdog’ can be followed fairly easily with a small group of 5 children and one leader, it can become more challenging as numbers increase.
The first step is to divide the children into manageable groups (10 or less). After that there are two simple ways to deliver this program.
- Each group can be assigned to one leader who is responsible to lead the group through each of the four Stations. In this case, each leader runs through their own ‘Water Watchdog’ program. Therefore, you will need complete set of materials and supplies per leader.
- The groups can rotate to a new leader for each Station. In this case, each leader would be responsible for delivering one particular Station to all of groups of children. The leader will only require the instructions and supplies for that particular Station. The appropriate pages of the Leader’s Field Guide can be photocopied so each leader has their own copy of the instructions.
Example Group Schedule
| Leader & Station |
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1:00 pm |
1:30 pm |
2:00 pm |
2:30 pm |
| Anna (#1) |
Group A |
Group B |
Group C |
Group D |
| Barb (#2) |
Group D |
Group A |
Group B |
Group C |
| Carol (#3) |
Group C |
Group D |
Group A |
Group B |
| Debbie (#4) |
Group B |
Group C |
Group D |
Group A |
Individual Activities Easily Adapted for Larger Groups
Large group sizes are mostly likely problematic when activities require supplies and detailed instructions. If you don’t have time to run the entire field day program, you can easily choose particular activities. There are many activities which are suited or can easily be adapted for larger groups.
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