Active Play


Getting Ready for Parachute Play

Getting Set for Parachute Play

Circle Time



Policing Leadership



Tips for a more effective and enjoyable group time.

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Plan it out. Schedule two circle times -one at the beginning of the day and the other at the end of the day. The first group time builds a sense of community by acknowledging "who's here" and "what's happening." The closing circle time should include activities appropriate to the children's age, experience, and development. Some examples might include music, poetry, fingerplays, games, puppets, flannel board stories, and creative activities.

Location, Location, Location. Set up an area for circle time so that children face away from an open door, ongoing preparations for another activity, or any other distractions. If you have a large, colorful educational area rug, have children find an animal, number, shape, or letter to sit on. You can also place tape on the floor in the shape of a circle or purchase small carpet squares or cushions to designate each child's "personal" space.

Don't Sit Like a W. How the children sit at circle time is important, too. The phrase "CRISS CROSS APPLESAUCE" serves as a helpful reminder for children to sit in a healthy, safe way. Encourage children to sit cross-legged or sit with their feet in front of them. Discourage the unhealthy and even potentially harmful sitting habit known as W sitting. W sitting is described as sitting between your legs, knees turned in, and feet out to the sides.

Keep Your Circle Times Short. Toddlers have a maximum attention span of five to 10 minutes and most three- to five-year- olds can only attend for up to 15 minutes. Involve Everyone! Do not force children to participate in circle time. To some children, being "actively involved" is watching, listening, and sensing. Encourage shy children to join in when they are comfortable and ready.

Model and Reward Appropriate Behavior. Do not allow one child to ruin circle time for the entire group. If a child is disruptive, ask him to sit in a nearby chair and watch circle time as part of the "audience." Encourage the child to return when he is ready to join in and cooperate. Acknowledge and reinforce appropriate behavior. Tell the children what good listeners they are, how well they can control their bodies, what great voices they have, etc.

Organize Activities in a Sequence. Sequenced activities help children learn and do what is expected.

  • Welcome children to circle time with a hello song or name game.
  • After the group has gathered, increase children's alertness with an active or familiar song.
  • Then move on to a fingerplay or body part chant/rhyme.
  • Next, get everybody up and off their bottoms with an energizing activity, such as a movement or action song. Engage and actively involve children, enhancing gross motor development and coordination.
  • Follow this with a calming activity that helps focus children's attention by reading a story, participating in a discussion or demonstration, or inviting children to be in a "play."
  • Signal that group time is over by gradually dispersing the group with a transition activity such as a closing or goodbye song.
Have Fun! The most important advice is to be enthusiastic, smile, be spontaneous, and enjoy circle time with your children!

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