What strategy would best encourage inclusive interaction during free-play among children?

Organizing a whole-group activity at the start of free play creates a shared experience that fosters a sense of community among the children. This approach encourages all children to participate together, helping to break down social barriers and promoting inclusive interactions as they transition into free play. When children engage in a collective activity, they learn to collaborate, share ideas, and communicate with one another, which can lead to more inclusive behaviors during their unstructured play time.

The initial group activity serves as an icebreaker that not only introduces various themes or play possibilities but also allows children to establish connections based on shared experiences. This foundational interaction can lead to friendships and collaborative play during the free-play segment, which is crucial for developing social skills and promoting inclusivity among peers.

In contrast, assigning different partners each day may not necessarily build enduring relationships and could lead to challenges as children may struggle to connect meaningfully with new partners each time. Videotaping a day to illustrate exclusion focuses on identifying problems rather than promoting positive interactions, and while useful for reflecting on behavior, it does not actively encourage engagement. Providing small-group activities with a set goal may limit the opportunities for children to interact with a broader group and may inadvertently encourage children to form exclusive circles, rather than fostering inclusivity during