Circle Time: Child Development Through Inclusive Group Learning

Circle Time: Nurturing Young Minds Through Inclusive Group Learning

In many early years settings, circle time is a cornerstone of early childhood education. This dedicated period brings children together, it is designed to create a sense of community, enhance social skills, and provide a platform for structured learning experiences. We’ll examine the benefits, challenges, and best practices, ensuring that circle time in your class is both engaging and inclusive for all children, including those with special educational needs (SEN).

What is Circle Time

At its core, circle time is about creating a shared experience for young learners. It’s a time when children gather, typically in a circular formation, to participate in group activities, discussions, and learning experiences. This practice has deep roots in early childhood education, drawing from various pedagogical approaches, including the Montessori method.

Montessori-Inspired Circle Time

The Montessori approach to circle time, or circle time, emphasises respect for the child’s natural development and independence. In a Montessori-inspired setting, circle time is less about direct instruction and more about facilitating experiences that encourage children to explore and learn at their own pace.

Key elements of Montessori-inspired circle time include:

1. Freedom of choice: Children are often given the option to join or observe the circle, respecting their individual needs and interests.
2. Child-led discussions: The teacher acts more as a guide, encouraging children to share their thoughts and experiences.
3. Practical life skills: Activities during this time might include practising politness, such as greeting each other or learning to take turns.
4. Connection to nature: Montessori circle times often incorporate natural elements, aligning with the method’s emphasis on connecting children with their environment.
5. Sensory experiences: Activities that engage multiple senses are common, supporting holistic development.

Understanding the Circle Time Theory

The circle time theory is rooted in the idea that children learn best in a supportive, inclusive environment where they feel valued and heard. This approach emphasises:

1. Equality: The circular formation symbolises that everyone is equal, with no one in a position of greater importance.
2. Inclusion: Every child is part of the circle, promoting a sense of belonging.
3. Turn-taking: Children learn to listen to others and wait for their turn to speak.
4. Emotional literacy: Circle time provides opportunities for children to express and understand their emotions.
5. Community building: Regular circle times help establish a sense of group identity and shared experiences.

The theory suggests that these elements combine to create a positive learning environment that supports children’s social, emotional, and cognitive development.

Structuring Effective Circle Time

The most effective circle time sessions are thoughtfully planned yet flexible enough to respond to children’s interests and needs. Here’s a framework for structuring engaging and productive circle time:

1. Welcome and settling: Begin with a familiar song or greeting to help children transition into the circle.
2. Main activity: This could be a story, discussion, game, or learning experience related to the current theme or learning objectives.
3. Movement break: Incorporate a short physical activity to help children refocus.
4. Reflection or sharing time: Encourage children to share thoughts or experiences related to the main activity.
5. Closure: End with a familiar goodbye song or routine to signal the transition to the next part of the day.

Engaging Preschoolers during Circle Time

Keeping young children engaged during circle time can be challenging, but there are several strategies that can help:

1. Use visual aids: Props, pictures, and puppets can help maintain interest and support understanding.
2. Incorporate movement: Songs with actions, finger plays, and simple dance moves can keep children physically engaged.
3. Ask open-ended questions: Encourage critical thinking and creativity by asking questions that don’t have a single right answer.
4. Vary the pace: Alternate between high-energy and calming activities to maintain engagement.
5. Respond to children’s interests: Be flexible enough to follow children’s leads when they show particular enthusiasm for a topic.
6. Keep it brief: Aim for shorter, more frequent circle time sessions rather than long, drawn-out ones.

Good Circle Questions to Spark Engagement

Asking the right questions can significantly enhance the quality of discussions during circle time. Here are some examples of effective questions:

1. “What made you smile today?”
2. “If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?”
3. “What’s your favourite thing to do with your family?”
4. “If you could invent something to make the world better, what would it be?”
5. “What do you think happens next in the story?”
6. “How do you think [character in a story] felt when…?”
7. “What’s the kindest thing someone has done for you recently?”
8. “If you could have any superpower, what would it be?”

These questions encourage children to think creatively, express their feelings, and consider others’ perspectives.

Would You Rather Questions for Circle Time

“Would you rather” questions can be a fun way to engage children and encourage decision-making skills. Here are some age-appropriate examples:

1. “Would you rather be able to fly or breathe underwater?”
2. “Would you rather eat ice cream for breakfast or pizza for dinner every day?”
3. “Would you rather be really tall or really small?”
4. “Would you rather have a pet dinosaur or a pet dragon?”
5. “Would you rather be able to talk to animals or be invisible?”
6. “Would you rather play in the snow or play in the sand?”
7. “Would you rather be really fast or really strong?”
8. “Would you rather have blue hair or green skin?”

These questions can spark interesting discussions and help children practice expressing and justifying their preferences.

Making Circle Time Accessible for SEN Pupils

Ensuring that circle time is inclusive and accessible for children with special educational needs is crucial. Here are some adjustments that can help:

1. Visual supports: Use visual timetables, picture cards, or sign language to support understanding and communication.
2. Seating options: Provide alternative seating such as cushions, wobble stools, or small chairs for children who struggle to sit on the floor.
3. Sensory considerations: Be mindful of sensory sensitivities. Some children may benefit from sitting at the edge of the circle or having a fidget toy.
4. Clear expectations: Use simple, clear language and visual cues to explain what’s expected during circle time.
5. Individualised support: Some children may need a support worker to help them participate fully.
6. Frequent movement breaks: Incorporate more frequent opportunities for movement to help children who struggle with sitting still.
7. Multisensory approach: Include activities that engage different senses to cater to diverse learning styles.
8. Flexible participation: Allow children to observe from a distance or participate in alternative ways if sitting in the circle is challenging.
9. Use of technology: Consider using tablets or other devices to support communication or engagement for some children.
10. Positive reinforcement: Praise effort and participation to encourage engagement.

How Long Should a 3-Year-Old Be Expected to Sit Still?

The ability to sit still and focus varies greatly among young children, and it’s important to have realistic expectations. For a typical 3-year-old, a general guideline is:

• 3-5 minutes for focused, teacher-led activities
• Up to 15 minutes for engaging, interactive activities with lots of participation

Factors such as individual temperament, developmental stage, and the nature of the activity all play a role in a child’s ability to sit still and engage.

Rather than focusing on a specific time limit, it’s more beneficial to:

1. Observe children’s engagement levels and adjust activities accordingly
2. Provide regular movement breaks
3. Offer a variety of activities that cater to different attention spans and learning styles
4. Allow flexibility for children to take breaks or observe from a distance if needed

Ending Circle Time Effectively

How circle time concludes is just as important as how it begins. An effective ending should:

1. Signal closure: Use a consistent ending routine, such as a goodbye song or a specific phrase, to clearly indicate that circle time is over.
2. Summarise: Briefly recap what was discussed or learned during the session.
3. Look ahead: Give children a preview of what’s coming next in their day.
4. Transition smoothly: Provide clear instructions for what children should do next to avoid confusion.
5. End positively: Finish on a high note, perhaps with a favourite song or a group affirmation.
6. Individual acknowledgement: If possible, acknowledge each child as they leave the circle, perhaps with a high-five or a personalised goodbye.

Challenges and Solutions in Circle Time

While circle time offers numerous benefits, it’s not without its challenges. These are a few behaviour challenges specific to circle time but please check out our other posts on managing behaviour.

1. Short attention spans:
   Solution: Keep sessions brief, incorporate movement, and use engaging multisensory activities.
2. Disruptive behaviour:
   Solution: Establish clear expectation and follow through, provide fidget tools for children who need them.
3. Reluctant participants:
   Solution: Offer choices within the activity, use topics of high interest – motivators are great see our attention autism post for idea, and allow alternative forms of participation.
4. Dominance by vocal children:
   Solution: Use strategies like talking objects or taking turns to ensure all children have a chance to contribute.
5. Difficulty transitioning to and from circle time:
   Solution: Use consistent routines, visual schedules, and clear signals for transitions.

Measuring the Effectiveness of Circle Time

To ensure that circle time is meeting its objectives, it’s important to regularly assess its effectiveness. This can be done through:

1. Observation: Watch for signs of engagement, learning, and social interaction during and after circle time.
2. Child feedback: Ask children what they enjoy about circle time and what they find challenging.
3. Developmental assessments: Use age-appropriate assessments to track progress in areas that circle time aims to develop, such as language skills or social-emotional development.
4. Peer observation: Invite colleagues to observe and provide feedback on your circle time sessions.
5. Reflection: Regularly reflect on what’s working well and what could be improved in your circle time practice.

Innovations in Circle Time

As our understanding of child development and learning evolves, so too does the practice of circle time. Some innovative approaches include:

1. Technology integration: Using interactive whiteboards or tablets to enhance learning experiences.
2. Outdoor circle times: Taking circle time outside to connect with nature and provide a change of environment.
3. Mindfulness practices: Incorporating simple mindfulness exercises to promote emotional regulation and focus.
4. Cross-age peer learning: Inviting older children to lead parts of circle time for younger ones.
5. Parent involvement: Occasionally inviting parents to join or lead circle time activities, strengthening the home-school connection.

Circle Time in Different Educational Approaches

While we’ve touched on the Montessori approach, it’s worth noting how circle time fits into other educational philosophies:

1. Reggio Emilia: In this approach, circle time might be more fluid, with children gathering spontaneously to discuss projects or ideas.
2. Waldorf: circle time in a Waldorf setting often involves storytelling, movement, and rhythmic activities, with a strong emphasis on imagination and nature.
3. High/Scope: This approach might use circle time for planning and review sessions, where children discuss their intentions for the day and reflect on their experiences.
4. Forest Schools: In outdoor-based learning environments, circle time might take place around a campfire or in a natural clearing, incorporating elements of the outdoor environment.

Cultural Sensitivity in Circle Time

Creating a culturally inclusive circle time is essential in today’s diverse classrooms. Consider the following approaches:

1. Diverse content: Include stories, songs, and activities from various cultures, particularly those represented in your classroom.
2. Multilingual elements: Incorporate greetings or simple phrases in different languages.
3. Cultural celebrations: Acknowledge and discuss different cultural celebrations during relevant times of the year.
4. Respect for cultural norms: Be aware of and respect different cultural norms regarding physical contact, eye contact, or gender interactions.
5. Inclusive imagery: Use diverse representations in any visual aids or props.
6. Open discussions: Encourage children to share about their cultural backgrounds and traditions.

Circle Time for Different Age Groups

The structure and content of circle time should be tailored to the developmental stage of the children:

Toddlers (Circle Time for 1-2 years):

• Keep sessions very brief (5-10 minutes)
• Focus on simple songs, finger plays, and basic sensory experiences
• Use lots of repetition and familiar routines

Young Preschoolers (Circle Time for 3-4 years):

• Gradually increase session length (up to 15-20 minutes)
• Introduce more complex stories and discussions
• Incorporate more interactive elements and simple games

Older Preschoolers/Reception (4-5 years):

• Sessions can last up to 20-30 minutes
• Include more abstract concepts and deeper discussions
• Encourage more child-led elements and problem-solving activities

Role of Technology in Circle Time

While traditional circle time often relies on face-to-face interaction, carefully planned use of education technology can enhance the experience when used thoughtfully:

Pros:

• Can provide visual aids for complex concepts
• Allows for interactive learning experiences
• Can help engage children with different learning styles

Cons:

• May reduce face-to-face interaction
• Can be distracting if overused
• Not all settings have access to the same technology

Effective uses of technology in circle time:

1. Digital storytelling with interactive elements
2. Virtual field trips to explore different environments
3. Educational apps that encourage group participation
4. Recording and playback of children’s contributions for reflection
5. AAC Devices such as talkers, Big Macs

Assessment and Documentation

Effective assessment and documentation of circle time can inform planning and track children’s progress:

1. Use observation checklists to note children’s participation and skills
2. Take photos or short videos to capture key moments
3. Keep a circle time journal to record themes, activities, and children’s responses
4. Use digital apps designed for early years assessment
5. Create individual portfolios showcasing each child’s contributions and progress
6. Share documentation with parents to involve them in their child’s learning journey

Handling Challenging Behaviours

Managing disruptive behaviours during circle time requires patience and strategy:

1. Set clear, positively-phrased expectations (e.g., “We use kind words” instead of “Don’t shout”)
2. Use non-verbal cues to redirect behaviour without interrupting the flow
3. Implement a calm-down corner for children who need a break
4. Use positive reinforcement to encourage good behaviour
5. Address underlying needs (hunger, tiredness, need for attention)
6. Involve children in creating and maintaining circle time rules
7. Use social stories to teach expected behaviours
8. Provide fidget tools or movement opportunities for children who struggle with sitting still

Sensory Considerations

Creating a sensory-friendly circle time environment benefits all children:

1. Lighting: Use natural light where possible, or soft, non-flickering artificial light
2. Acoustics: Minimise background noise and echo
3. Seating: Offer a variety of seating options (cushions, chairs, wobble stools)
4. Visual input: Keep the visual environment calm but engaging
5. Tactile experiences: Provide opportunities for appropriate touch experiences
6. Proprioceptive input: Include movement breaks or heavy work activities
7. Olfactory considerations: Be mindful of strong smells that might be distracting
8. Vestibular input: Incorporate gentle rocking or swaying activities

Language Development in Circle Time

Circle time offers excellent opportunities for language development:

1. Vocabulary building: Introduce new words related to current themes
2. Storytelling: Encourage children to create and share their own stories
3. Phonological awareness: Use rhymes and alliteration games
4. Listening skills: Practice active listening through games and activities
5. Expressive language: Provide opportunities for children to share their thoughts and experiences
6. Non-verbal communication: Teach and practice gestures and facial expressions
7. Multilingual support: Use key words in home languages alongside English

Supporting EAL (English as an Additional Language) children:

• Use visual supports alongside spoken language
• Incorporate songs and rhymes from different languages
• Encourage peer support and language buddies
• Celebrate linguistic diversity in the group

Questioning Skills for Circle Time: Engaging Young Minds

Circle time offers a unique opportunity for educators to engage children in meaningful discussions through skillful questioning. The intimate setting of a circle allows for face-to-face interaction, making it ideal for fostering dialogue and critical thinking among young learners.

When planning questions for circle time, consider the developmental stage of your group. For younger children, start with simple, concrete questions about their immediate experiences. As children grow older, gradually introduce more abstract questions that encourage deeper thinking.

Types of Questions for Circle Time

Circle time is a fantastic opportunity to foster engagement, build community, and encourage critical thinking in children. The types of questions you ask can significantly impact the depth of conversation and learning. Here are some effective categories of questions to incorporate:

Simple, Concrete Questions

These questions are perfect for younger children or at the beginning of circle time to help everyone settle in and feel comfortable sharing. They focus on recall and immediate experiences, building a foundation for more complex discussions.

• Examples:
  • “What did you have for breakfast today?” (Helps children connect personal experiences to the group setting.)
  • “How do you feel right now?” (Encourages self-awareness and emotional identification.)
  • “Can you name one thing you see in our classroom right now that is blue?” (Engages observational skills.)

Open-Ended Questions

Moving beyond simple recall, open-ended questions encourage children to think critically, express their opinions, and elaborate on their thoughts. These questions don’t have a single “right” answer, promoting diverse responses and deeper engagement.

• Examples:
  • Instead of “Did you like the story?”, try “What was your favorite part of the story, and why?” (Promotes analysis and justification.)
  • “I wonder where butterflies go when it rains?” (Sparks curiosity and imaginative thinking.)
  • “If you could have any superpower, what would it be and how would you use it?” (Encourages creative problem-solving and self-expression.)

Questions to Promote Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

These questions are crucial for developing empathy, understanding emotions, and building positive social skills. They help children navigate social situations and reflect on their own feelings and the feelings of others.

• Examples:
  • “How could we help a friend who’s feeling sad?” (Fosters empathy and problem-solving skills in social contexts.)
  • “What makes you feel proud?” (Encourages self-esteem and recognition of personal achievements.)
  • “What’s a kind thing someone did for you recently?” (Highlights positive social interactions and promotes gratitude.)
  • “How do you think [character’s name] felt when that happened?” (Connects character’s emotions to real-life situations.)

Storytelling Questions

When reading a book or sharing a narrative, these questions deepen comprehension and encourage imaginative engagement with the story. They can prompt children to predict, empathize with characters, and connect the story to their own lives.

• Examples:
  • “What do you think will happen next?” (Encourages prediction and active listening.)
  • “How would you feel if you were in the character’s situation?” (Promotes empathy and perspective-taking.)
  • “If you could change one thing about the story, what would it be?” (Sparks creativity and critical evaluation of narrative.)

Reflective Questions

At the end of circle time, reflective questions help children summarize their learning, consolidate new ideas, and consider how they can apply what they’ve discussed. These questions reinforce the value of the shared experience.

• Examples:
  • “What’s one new thing we learned today?” (Encourages recall and identification of key takeaways.)
  • “How could we use what we talked about in our play later?” (Connects abstract concepts to concrete actions and encourages application of learning.)
  • “What was your favorite part of circle time today?” (Provides feedback and helps identify engaging activities for future sessions.)
  • “Is there anything we discussed today that you’re still curious about?” (Leaves room for further exploration and encourages ongoing inquiry.)

Creating a Supportive Environment Where Mistakes are Valued:

1. Respond to each contribution positively, even if it’s not quite what you expected.
2. Use phrases like, “That’s an interesting idea, Samantha. Can you tell us more about why you think that?”
3. Give children time to process questions and formulate answers. After asking a question, count silently to five before calling on someone or rephrasing the question.

Techniques to Enhance Questioning:

• Visual Aids: Bring in interesting objects or pictures to stimulate questions and discussion.
• Talking Stick: Use a special object that children hold when it’s their turn to speak.
• Model Curiosity: Share your own wonderings with the group to demonstrate that questioning is valuable at any age.

Tips for Effective Questioning:

1. Focus on open-ended questions that invite children to reflect and express opinions.
2. Build on children’s natural curiosity by asking follow-up questions to their observations.
3. Incorporate visual aids to stimulate discussion and imaginative thinking.
4. Use questions to promote social-emotional learning and empathy.
5. Pause during storytelling to ask predictive or reflective questions.
6. Encourage participation from all children, including quieter ones.
7. Use questions to check understanding and summarize learning at the end of circle time.

The goal of questioning during circle time isn’t to get “right” answers, but to stimulate thinking, encourage communication, and foster a love of learning. By focusing on thoughtful, engaging questions, you create a rich learning environment where children feel valued, curious, and eager to participate.

Regularly reflecting on and refining your questioning techniques will lead to more engaging and effective circle time sessions. With practice, you’ll develop a repertoire of questions that spark lively discussions and deepen children’s understanding of various topics and skills.

Physical Setup of the Circle Time Area

The physical environment plays a crucial role in successful circle time:

1. Seating arrangement: Ensure all children can see and hear comfortably
2. Defined space: Use rugs or tape to clearly mark the circle time area
3. Visual aids: Position a board or display area within easy view
4. Storage: Keep resources organised and easily accessible
5. Comfort: Consider cushions or low chairs for children who struggle with floor sitting
6. Lighting: Ensure adequate, non-glare lighting that can be adjusted as needed
7. Acoustics: Use soft furnishings or acoustic panels to reduce echo and background noise
8. Temperature: Maintain a comfortable temperature, especially if children are sitting on the floor
9. Flexibility: Design the space to be easily rearranged for different activities
10. Accessibility: Ensure the area is accessible for children with mobility needs

Transitions

Smooth transitions into and out of circle time are crucial for maintaining a positive learning environment:

1. Use consistent auditory cues: A specific song or sound can signal the start of circle time
2. Visual schedules: Display a visual timetable showing when circle time occurs
3. Transition objects: Give children a special object to hold as they move to the circle
4. Gradual gathering: Allow children to come to the circle in small groups rather than all at once
5. Clear instructions: Provide step-by-step directions for moving to and from the circle
6. Transition activities: Use short games or songs as children gather
7. Prepare for the next activity: Before ending circle time, explain what will happen next
8. Individual strategies: Develop specific transition plans for children who struggle with changes

Staff Training

Effective circle time requires skilled facilitation. Here are key areas for staff training:

1. Child development: Understanding age-appropriate expectations and activities
2. Behaviour management: Strategies for promoting positive behaviour and handling challenges
3. Inclusive practice: Techniques for including children with diverse needs
4. Questioning skills: How to ask open-ended questions that promote thinking and discussion
5. Activity planning: Designing engaging and educational circle time sessions
6. Observation and assessment: How to document children’s progress during circle time
7. Cultural sensitivity: Promoting inclusivity and respecting diverse backgrounds
8. Technology integration: Using digital tools effectively in circle time
9. Adaptability: Being flexible and responsive to children’s needs and interests
10. Reflective practice: Regularly evaluating and improving circle time practices

Seasonal and Themed Circle Times

Adapting circle time to different seasons, holidays, or educational themes can keep sessions fresh and relevant. Here are some engaging ideas with examples:

1. Seasonal changes: Discuss and explore the characteristics of each season
   Example: For autumn, bring in colourful leaves, conkers, and pinecones. Encourage children to describe the textures, colours, and smells. Sing songs about falling leaves and create a ‘seasons tree’ where children add or remove elements as the year progresses.
2. Cultural celebrations: Introduce diverse holiday traditions respectfully
   Example: During Diwali, invite children to sit in a circle around a safe, electric diya. Share the story of Rama and Sita, then have children create rangoli patterns using coloured rice or chalk.
3. Community helpers: Focus on different professions and their roles
   Example: For a ‘People Who Help Us’ theme, invite a local lollipop person to visit. Children can take turns role-playing crossing the road safely, using a toy zebra crossing mat and handheld stop sign.
4. Environmental awareness: Explore themes like recycling or water conservation
   Example: Set up a ‘recycling sorting’ game where children sit in a circle and take turns placing different items into the correct recycling bins, discussing why each item goes where it does.
5. Health and wellbeing: Discuss topics like healthy eating or exercise
   Example: Create a ‘Fruit and Veg Rainbow’. Sit in a circle and pass around different coloured fruits and vegetables. Children name the item, its colour, and suggest a way to eat it (e.g., “This is a carrot. It’s orange. We can eat it raw or in soup!”).
6. STEM concepts: Introduce age-appropriate science, technology, engineering, and math ideas
   Example: For a ‘Shapes in Our World’ theme, go on a shape hunt around the classroom. Return to the circle and have children describe where they found different shapes (e.g., “I found a circle on the clock!”).
7. Arts and creativity: Explore different art styles or music genres
   Example: Introduce ‘Action Painting’ à la Jackson Pollock. In an outdoor circle, provide large sheets of paper and have children take turns dripping, splattering, and flicking paint while dancing to music.
8. Emotional literacy: Focus on understanding and expressing feelings
   Example: Play ‘Emotion Charades’. Children take turns picking an emotion card and acting it out for others to guess, then discuss times they’ve felt that emotion.
9. Current events: Discuss age-appropriate current affairs or school events
   Example: If the school is preparing for a spring fête, sit in a circle and brainstorm ideas for stalls or activities. Create a pictorial ‘mind map’ of children’s suggestions.
10. Literature themes: Base circle time activities around a beloved children’s book or author
    Example: After reading ‘The Gruffalo’ by Julia Donaldson, sit in a circle and use puppets or masks to retell the story collaboratively, with each child playing a different character.

Risk Assessment

While circle time is generally a low-risk activity, it’s important to consider safety:

1. Physical space: Ensure the area is free from tripping hazards and sharp edges
2. Group size: Maintain appropriate adult-to-child ratios
3. Equipment safety: Regularly check any equipment or props used during circle time
4. Allergies: Be aware of any allergies when using sensory materials or food in activities
5. Behaviour management: Have strategies in place to handle any challenging behaviours safely
6. Emergency procedures: Ensure all staff know evacuation routes from the circle time area
7. Hygiene: Regularly clean the carpet/cushions and any shared resources
8. Supervision: Maintain clear lines of sight for all children during circle time

Case Studies

Real-world examples can provide valuable insights into effective circle time practices:

Case Study 1: Inclusive Circle Time in a Diverse Setting
A nursery in East London with a high proportion of EAL children implemented a multi-sensory approach to circle time. They used visual aids, incorporated words from children’s home languages, and included lots of music and movement. This resulted in increased engagement and faster English language acquisition for EAL children.

Case Study 2: Technology-Enhanced Circle Time
A preschool in Manchester introduced an interactive whiteboard for circle time. They used it for virtual field trips, interactive storytelling, and group problem-solving activities. Children’s participation and enthusiasm noticeably increased, particularly among those who previously struggled to engage.

Case Study 3: Outdoor Circle Time in a Forest School
A school in Fulham took their circle time outdoors as part of their forest school approach. They used natural materials for counting and sorting, incorporated mindfulness through nature observation, and used the changing environment to discuss seasons and weather. Children showed improved concentration and a greater interest in the natural world.

Research Findings

This isn’t a fully referenced article but recent research continues to support the benefits of structured group time for young children:

1. A 2023 study in the Early Childhood Education Journal found that regular participation in circle time activities was associated with improved social skills and emotional regulation in 3-5 year olds.
2. Research highlighted the positive impact of music-based circle time activities on language development, particularly for children with speech and language difficulties.
3. It has been argued that through circle time, pupils can learn to share, take turns and cooperate. Some writers have drawn attention to the role of circle time in developing pupils’ speaking and listening skills.

Conclusion

Circle time, when implemented thoughtfully and inclusively, can be a powerful tool for learning and development in early years settings. By considering the diverse needs of children, incorporating engaging activities, and staying informed about best practices, educators can create circle time experiences that are enriching, enjoyable, and beneficial for all children.

Remember, the key to successful circle time lies in flexibility, responsiveness to children’s needs, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Regular reflection on and refining your approach ensures that circle time remains a valuable part of the day for both children and educators.