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.
Social/Emotional Development
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 they 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.
- 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!
· 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.
- 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, talent, 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.
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.
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General Story Telling Tips
Be Prepared:
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Making Stories Come Alive
In memory of Joe Healy
Let your gestures, voice, and facial expressions convey your enthusiasm. Your voice is your most important tool. Use a deep gruff voice when speaking the lines of a large, or scary character. A high squeaky voice is suitable for babies, fairies, etc., You can add suspense with a slow deliberate delivery and excitement with a faster paced delivery. Remember that simple facial expressions and gestures can add to characterization or the mood of the story. A simple raise of the eyebrows or a shrug of the shoulders can often express more than words.
Be sure all children can see the book
Choose a story that will appeal to your audience and suit the children's attention span.
Choose a book with bright and large illustrations.
Choose books that invite participation though repeated verses or rhymes.
Substitute the children's names for character names to add interest.
Be flexible.
Skip or alter parts of a book as the needs of your young listeners dictate.
Set the stage with a verbal cue like the traditional "Once upon a time" or use a bell or magic fairy dust to get everyone set for listening.
Don't be afraid to use props, costumes, or puppets to add interest.
Involve the audience. Invite them to participate in hand motions or making sound effects. Or have them respond with "chants" or refrains.
*Submitted by Sherry