Check out some of our best circle time ideas, tips, and strategies to help kids get the most out of this important part of the school day!
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Circle time. It’s the hallmark of preschool and primary school, where teachers set the tone for the day with music, calendars, schedules, and a comforting routine. It’s fun, it’s engaging, and it’s where some of the most important learning of the school day takes place.
That is, until you come across one of my favorite types of students. A kiddo who just can’t seem to make it through circle time without a problem – throwing a tantrum, running away, distracting other students, or just plain refusing to join the group. Many kids struggle with self-regulation and other issues that stand in the way of participation and engagement during circle time.
Common Barriers to Circle Time Participation
1 || Attention Concerns
Becoming distracted by other peers who are in close proximity
Quickly losing interest/focus on circle time activities.
*These concerns often turn into behavior concerns (e.g. running away, tantrums, falling on floor, refusal to transition to circle time, etc.).
2 || Sensory Concerns
Having difficulty tolerating close proximity of peers (tactile hypersensitivity).
Seeking out sensory input in inappropriate ways (e.g. fidgeting, rocking, leaning, falling on floor, standing up, wandering).
Having difficulty tolerating circle time sounds like songs and peers’ voices (auditory hypersensitivity).
3 || Core Strength Concerns
Having difficulty sitting unsupported on the floor.
Having difficulty maintaining one position for an extended period of time.
*Note that sometimes core strength concerns can look like attention concerns!
Check out this video for some of our best circle time ideas:
10 Circle Time Tips and Strategies
These circle time ideas can go a long way toward supporting kids who struggle with sitting still, attending, transitioning, and more! And don’t miss these free preschool circle time activities!
1 || Make a smooth transition to circle time.
Try some of these calming techniques and transition strategies to help kids make a smooth transition to circle time. Use timers
2 || Be prepared.
Leaving kids hanging while you get your supplies and songs organized and prepared is a sure way to kill the momentum of your circle time. Have these things ready ahead of time to eliminate waiting time.
3 || Try fine motor tasks to support attention.
Sometimes giving kids something to do with their hands can help lengthen their attention span for circle time. Try basic activities like stringing beads
4 || Experiment with seating position to build attention.
If a child struggles with staying at circle time, start by positioning her at a separate table or desk near the circle time area and have her complete one of the tasks described above (while circle time is going on) before being allowed to go and play elsewhere in the classroom. Gradually increase the amount of time spent at the desk engaging in the activities until the child is sitting for most of the circle time.
It may not look like it, but most often, the child will be picking up on a lot of the content that is being offered by the teacher at circle time (letter sounds, songs, etc.) just by being a bystander!
Next, try moving the activities into the actual circle area, so the child is sitting in his/her seat but still has something to do with her hands.
5 || Try fidget toys during circle time.
Similar to the fine motor activities described above, fidget toys offer kids something to do with their hands while they’re listening and attending to circle time. If the student tends to throw objects, try fidget toys that can clip to his or her belt loop or zipper.
6 || Use a visual schedule to guide the class through the circle time routine.
A simple visual schedule using pictures, photos, or icons can go a long way toward helping kids move through circle time activities. Create a simple visual format to show kids that they will work through a designated set of circle time activities.
7 || Stay consistent.
Keeping a fairly consistent circle time routine can help keep negative behaviors to a minimum. When kids know what is coming next and how much longer an activity will last, they are often calmer and more willing to participate. This kind of predictability can be particularly helpful for kids with sensory concerns.
9 || Encourage movement!
Try to incorporate movement as much as possible during circle time. Movement songs, movement breaks, and learning activities that allow kids to get up and move can help to decrease fidgeting and other behaviors. Even super quick, super simple breaks for movement (e.g. Everyone clap your hands as fast as you can! Everyone shake your your hands! Everyone tap your head/legs/shoulders/etc.) between circle time activities can help!
10 || Try alternative seating.
Alternative seating for the classroom can also be put to use during circle time. Different seating options can help provide support for kids who have decreased core strength, a bit of movement for kids who need to wiggle and fidget, or a boundary for kids who struggle with maintaining personal space or with having peers close to them. Options to consider:
-a therapy ball
-a beanbag chair
-a rocking chair
-a wobble stool
-a floor cushion
-try these Circle Time Ideas for Kids Who Can’t Sit Still
Above all, it’s important to remember that circle time is not a one size fits all situation. No two kids are alike and each child will require his or her own mixture of calming sensory strategies and other interventions to help support circle time performance.
What are your best circle time tips and strategies? Share them in the comments below!
Check out our DIY Calm Down Kit as a great addition to your circle time tools and supports!
[…] can also check out some of our best circle time tips and strategies to help kids get the most out of this important part of the school […]