At Co-op, Circle Time is the first large group time of the day, and it fosters a genuine group feeling, which children developing respect and appreciation for themselves and others as individual members of a group. Numerous language arts skills such as verbalizing, listening, and discussing are in process at this time. The activities planned by the teacher build upon the experiences of the day. These activities may reflect the unit that is being explored in class that week, or they may reflect the interests of the children.

At Circle Time you will see a variety of activities such as reading, discussing books, dramatizing stories, using a flannel board, singing, dancing, using musical instruments, or demonstrating science experiments. You may see the class discussing and writing down the experiences of the day or of that unit. You might hear discussions about rhyming words followed by stories and songs that incorporate rhymes.

At the beginning of the year, many children are adjusting to the expectations of circle time: we expect that they will sit, listen to others, wait for a turn, and raise a hand to share information. Circle Times are short at first, and become longer and longer as the children learn the expectations.

YOU CAN HELP!!! As a working parent, the teacher NEEDS your assistance. Here are some hints for helping:

1. Sit on the rug with the children, modeling what is expected. Space the adults around the circle rug so that each person can help to encourage the 4 or 5 children nearby.
2. Take the initiative!! The teacher is counting on your help. The more you can do to assist the squirmy bodies around you, the more the teacher can focus on an interesting activity for the group.
3. Whisper or talk quietly when reminding children of expectations. The following phrases work wonders:
   • ”You need to sit at the edge of the circle rug.”
   • ”It is Sally’s/Bobby's/Mrs. Maynard’s/etc. turn to talk.”
   • ”Right now it is time for you to listen, you will have a turn to talk.”
   • ”Judy does not like it when you lean on her body.”
   • ”You need to keep your hands/feet/etc. on your own body.”
   • ”You move your body, or I will move your body.” (This one must be followed through-Don’t hesitate to move a child gently when necessary.)
   • ”It’s okay if you need to cry, but the other’s can’t hear, so I will take you out in the hallway and sit with you until you are ready to return to the circle.” (Again, you must follow through, remove the child, and sit with the child until he or she is calm. You are acknowledging and accepting their sad or angry feelings without allowing the children the power to disrupt the class.)

The parent’s job at circle is an important one. With parents who are actively working to rub children’s backs and whisper reminders in ears, the teacher can provide fun!! If the parents are merely observers, the teacher must use all her energies to help the group focus.

Don’t be afraid to help!! If a group of students are talking, poking each other, making disruptive noises-get up, move across the circle, and help that group focus. If necessary, some children may need to move.

It won't take long!! If all adults are consistent in expectations and in encouraging each individual to focus, the class will quickly learn. You will see the magic time which circle time can become!