The Magic of Circle Time

Agenda Circle: The Symbol of Unity “It’s Circle Time:” Two Differing Approaches Expectations of Circle Time What Children Gain from Circle Time Successful Elements of All Circle Times Books: The Center of Circle Time! Quiz Phoenix Children's Academy

Symbol of Unity The circle is an ancient, universal, and simple symbol of unity and wholeness Circle time, as an activity for groups of children, has been around for about a century. Phoenix Children's Academy

The Circle Since there is no ending or beginning, every individual in a circle is equal and belongs to the whole group. The most successful circle times include acceptance, openness, and non-judgmental expression of ideas.   Phoenix Children's Academy

Classroom 1 The morning sun is shining through the window, making bright rectangular patterns on the rug in the toddler room. Two teachers and the eight 1-and 2-year- olds in their care are enjoying each other's company as the toddlers explore the room. Phoenix Children's Academy

Classroom 2 A similar feeling of contentment permeates another toddler room at a preschool located down the street. Phoenix Children's Academy

Examine Your Assumptions The teachers in both classrooms have different sets of assumptions about what kinds of activities are most appropriate and valuable for toddlers. Jot down what you think their assumptions might be. Phoenix Children's Academy

It’s Circle Time in Classroom 1 Eventually, the teachers in Classroom 1 notice that the shopping play is winding down. Phoenix Children's Academy

When the teacher sits down on the carpet, the children follow suit. Phoenix Children's Academy When the teacher sits down on the carpet, the children follow suit.

It’s Circle Time in Classroom 2 Circle time is slower to start in Classroom 2. Promptly at 9:00 a.m., one teacher collects the puzzles; Raquan seems a little stunned when his puzzle disappears suddenly. Phoenix Children's Academy

LET’S REGROUP FOR A MINUTE…. Jot down some of the different ways the teachers in Classrooms 1 and 2 transitioned children into Circle Time. Which classroom considered the needs of the children? Which one felt more comfortable? Phoenix Children's Academy

To a Positive Atmosphere? What Contributes To a Positive Atmosphere? Use of space Group size Respect Understanding and recognizing individual needs Phoenix Children's Academy

Classroom 1 Back in the first classroom, the teacher concludes the singing, as she does every day, with another "Good Morning" song in which she greets each child by name. The second teacher joins the circle, keeping Midori in her line of sight. Phoenix Children's Academy

Classroom 2 Phoenix Children's Academy The two teachers have finally gathered all of the toddlers for Circle Time. One teacher sits down in her chair and begins the class "Good Morning" song.

Some of the other children do not respond when prompted to shake hands, however. Each time the second teacher gives them hand-overhand assistance, the song pauses. Phoenix Children's Academy

What are the differences between the two classroom’s Circle Time? LET’S REGROUP FOR A MINUTE…. What are the differences between the two classroom’s Circle Time? Phoenix Children's Academy

Flexible and Reasonable Remember to Have Flexible and Reasonable Expectations Attention Power struggles Concrete experiences Appropriate skills Phoenix Children's Academy

Classroom 1 Phoenix Children's Academy

Classroom 2 Phoenix Children's Academy

LET’S REGROUP FOR A MINUTE…. Phoenix Children's Academy What are the differences Between Classroom 1 and Classroom 2?

Remember Your Audience Objects to manipulate Attention span based on age Choices Recognizing individual interests and needs Closure Phoenix Children's Academy

Goals of Circle Time Toddlers starting the activity making it look fun and allowing interested children to join in (O'Brien, 1997). The focus should always be more on the pleasurable aspects of group interaction. Preschoolers Relate to teaching concepts group social skills introducing new activities, equipment and materials Phoenix Children's Academy

What Children Gain From Circle Time Phoenix Children's Academy The opportunity to learn and grow. How to behave appropriately in a group Everything from social skills to language to empathy…and more! 

Elements of a Successful Circle Time 1. Prepare for a consistent transition into and out of Circle Time Repetition to signal its start and end helps children learn the basics with greater ease. Taping a circle on the floor, creating a circle of carpet squares to sit on, or placing names around the circle helps children know where they belong Phoenix Children's Academy

Timing Is Everything! 2. Length of time and group size should be appropriate Toddlers: 5 – 10 minutes Preschoolers: 10 - 15 minutes Best practice is to limit group size to no more than 20 students  Phoenix Children's Academy

3. Use A Variety of Techniques Humor Suspense Varying voice tone and volume Including children in the story or an activity Choosing topics that are of interest to young children Phoenix Children's Academy

4. Vary Topics, Themes and Stories Over the course of a week or month, plan to touch on each area of development so children have the opportunity to learn new skills, practice developing skills, and learn more about the world. Phoenix Children's Academy

5. Have a Back-Up Plan Phoenix Children's Academy

Books At Circle Time Selecting books Large pictures Phoenix Children's Academy Selecting books Large pictures Invite participation You’re familiar with or have reviewed

Books With Repetitive Phrases Phoenix Children's Academy Chant the repetition with the teacher Locate and identify letters, numbers, colors, 

Books That Require Participation Phoenix Children's Academy

Turn Any Book Into a Fun Activity Phoenix Children's Academy

Weave the Story Throughout The Curriculum Phoenix Children's Academy Choose interesting picture books Be aware of the length of the book Be animated, show enthusiasm for the story Use sound effects and props when appropriate

Other Useful Tips Work with small groups Whenever possible, be on the floor at the children’s level Repeat successful Circle Times Use a related activity to transition to and from Circle Time Be prepared to stop, shorten or change an activity that is not working Avoid activities that require long teacher discussion or directions Have an alternative activity available for individualization Phoenix Children's Academy

The Circle That Never Ends A circle never ends…just like the influence of a good teacher Think differently about how you approach this important curriculum component Your imagination never ends – use it well! Phoenix Children's Academy

Quiz Describe a successful way to gather children for Circle Time. Name four elements of a successful Circle Time. Name some of the things you can do to keep the children’s interest level high during Circle Time. What’s your favorite children’s book / story? How could you incorporate it into an active Circle Time? Phoenix Children's Academy

References Bowman, B. T., Donovan, M. S., & Burns, M. S. (Eds.). (2001). Eager to Learn: Educating our Preschoolers. Washington, DC: National Academy Press. Frost, J. L., Wortham, S., & Reifel, S. (2001). Play and Child Development. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Merrill Prentice Hall. Gestwicki, C. (1999). Developmentally Appropriate Practice: Curriculum and Development in Early Education (2nd ed.). Albany, NY: Delmar. Gonzalez-Mena, J., & Eyer, D. W. (2001). Infants, Toddlers and Caregivers (5th ed.). Mountain View, CA: Mayfield. Machado, J. M., & Botnarescue, H. M. (2001). Student teaching: Early Childhood Practicum Guide. Albany, NY: Delmar. O'Brien, M. (1997). Inclusive Child Care for Infants and Toddlers: Meeting Individual and Special Needs. Baltimore: Paul H. Brookes. Piaget, J. (1962). Play, Dreams and Imitation in Childhood. New York: W.W. Norton. Shonkoff, J. P., & Phillips, D. A. (Eds.). (2000). From Neurons to Neighborhoods: The Science of Early Childhood Development. Washington, DC: National Academy Press. Snow, C. (1998). Infant Development (2nd ed.). Albany, NY: Delmar. Phoenix Children's Academy