One of my goals in the classroom this year is to be a good "circle time" leader. It's a real challenge for me right now. I found this to be a really interesting article.

Circle Time: Making a Good Idea Better
Feature Article from Newsletter #16
8/12/2002

An Overview

Circle time is an important daily activity in the preschool classroom. Think about all the things that happen during circle time. Children listen to a story, learn who is present and absent, discuss the daily schedule, talk about special happenings in their lives, find out about new materials in the classroom, and perhaps, sing a song or do a movement activity.

When you think about it, you realize children are learning in all areas of development.

Areas of Development

Social/Emotional Development
When children have opportunities to share their thoughts and ideas in a safe, encouraging environment, they begin to learn that they are valued, capable, and important members of the group. The classic and familiar "Show and Tell" time can be transformed from a focus on what I have to who I am or what I can do to help others. Children can share a drawing they created, teach a song, summarize a favorite story, or show how they created a structure. In a well-planned circle time, children also get to know one another, each other's families, feelings, and ideas. This community knowledge helps children feel a part of the group.

Physical Development
Dancing, stretching, active games, and movement activities meet the physical needs of growing children to move about. These activities vary the tempo of the day and allow children to "get the wiggles out" when they seem to lose focus. Making time for dancing to music with varied rhythms and playing games like Simon Says give children opportunities to learn about space and how their bodies move.

Cognitive Development
When children talk about field trips and the work they are doing in interest areas, they draw their thoughts and observations together to form concepts. They learn math concepts when they discuss how many children are here today or whether more children walk to school or take the bus. As they clap to music, they are learning mathematical patterns.

Circle time is a time to plan for the day's activities and reflect on what has already been done. For example, you may use circle time to discuss the materials and activities that will be available in the learning centers, plan what to look for and think about during the upcoming field trip, or recount events that occurred on the playground.

Scientific thinking happens when you encourage children to make observations about weather, plants, and animals following a nature walk or you make "I wonder what would happen if" comments after a child describes something that he or she did in an interest area.

During circle time children are experiencing important social studies concepts as they learn how to take turns talking, respect the rights of others, and understand the need for rules. When you introduce new study topics about their families or the community in circle time, they are also learning social studies.

Circle time is also a great time to introduce group problem-solving. You can guide children to discuss problems that have occurred in interest areas or outdoors and develop possible solutions to try out and evaluate.

Language Development
Reading and re-reading stories and poetry to children every day is a wonderful way to develop a love of good books, learn new words, explore the sounds and rhythms of language, and develop prediction and comprehension skills. In addition to learning to listen, circle time discussions provide a wonderful opportunity to learn the give and take of conversation. Preschoolers gain experience in communication skills.

Keys to an Effective Circle Time

For circle time to be an effective learning experience, teachers need to plan. Here are some ideas to consider when planning circle time experiences:

Know your children-their age, interests, and abilities.
Circle time should last only as long as children are engaged.
Make circle time a positive experience-plan activities that keep frustration at a minimum.
Think about how to introduce important skills and concepts.
Be prepared! Have the materials you need ready.
To get children's attention, whisper or talk quietly. To help children calm down before a story, sing a song that starts off energetically and then ends more slowly or quietly.
Vary the activities from day to day depending on the needs of the children. Plan for a mix of: active and relaxing activities; cognitive, physical, social/emotional, and language activities that include a range of content knowledge.
Recognize that short circle times can happen several times during the day.
Plan for the transitions into and out of circle time. Keep the transitions brief, fun, positive, and calm to helps engage children as they move from one activity to the other.
Don't keep children waiting.
Be flexible! Have fun! Stay positive!
Age of the Children

Circle time must be different for various age groups. The amount of time spent in the group and the complexity of activities should be considered in relation to the age of the children.

Three-year-olds might spend 15 minutes in circle time, especially if there is a mix of listening to a story and then responding to some open-ended questions. Movement activities, fingerplays, and simple conversations are important with this age group.
Children ages 4-5 can usually be engaged for slightly longer periods (15-20 minutes) and can tackle some more complex circle time activities. For example, you can become the scribe as the group invents a story or dictates their recollection of events.
Extending Circle Time to Families

You probably work very hard to include family members in the life of your classroom. Here are some ideas.

Think about ending each day with a closing circle time. This helps the children remember all the exciting things they did, and sends them out the door with lots to tell their parents. Reviewing is also a key method of helping children make cognitive connections and recall events.
Incorporate circle time songs and stories into program newsletters, or teach them to families during workshops or parent night programs. Parents will be happy to sing along with the children or to read their favorite book.
Invite family members to share stories, traditions, talents, and hobbies.
Video or audio tape some circle time music and movement activities and encourage children to bring the tapes home to share with families.
Some Final Thoughts

Be proactive. If a child seems to have trouble participating, ask another adult, if possible, to sit nearby, or position yourself near the child in advance. A gentle touch or encouraging smile may be all that is needed to refocus the child. You might also involve the child as a "helper" by inviting him or her to pass out materials or sing a song.

Be flexible about participation. It's okay if some children don't want to participate in some activities. By offering that child a choice to join in or to read a book quietly, you can help him feel in control within limits.

Be dynamic. By aiming for a balance between repeated and novel activities, you can maintain an ever-interesting learning experience. While you can always make room for the children's favorite songs and stories, you can also make it a goal to introduce new topics to expand the children's world.

Above all, circle time should be a time and place where children feel safe to express themselves, explore, learn, and grow in a caring community. It should provide a spark in imaginations, and a place to reflect what has been learned. Most of all, circle time should be fun and inviting.