Each Rainbow Group should have a daily circle time. This is different and distinct from a 
morning meeting, story time or group time. During circle time, children should sit specifically in a circle, and not just a gathering on the rug. It may help for children to sit on
stools or on chairs for the circle if they have trouble staying in one spot during the session. Depending on age and stage of development circle time will last between 10 and 25 minutes. In Babies there is no cycle time, although elements of circle time may be able to be slowly introduced over time.
There are 8 key principles for Circle time:
- to practice turn taking
- to understand sequencing
- to respond to their own name
- to follow simple instructions
- to follow complex instructions
- to categorize based on given criteria
- to share and recount experiences
- to explore cultural differences within the group
This structure of circle time should be followed:
- Welcome every child by name
- Count children. (all group) Ask who is missing… introduce basic maths (older groups)
- Warm up with a familiar song or poem
- Letter, sound and number of the day (older groups)
- Familiar or semi-familiar song (older groups)
- Introduce the topic, and delivery key message
- Interactive Activity (using senses, movement and active participation)
- Conclude and reinforce key message
- New song, rhyme or poem
- Familiar song
- Release each child by name to a given destination
Click here to down load the annual topics plan for circle time
Click here for some cool Circle time activities
Have some clear rules for circle time that are easy to remember, and easy to enforce. Praise children who are making the right choices.
Consider creating a Circle Time display to help you plan and implement circle time routines.
