This presentation provides guidance on running an effective circle time!

1. CIRCLE TIME
TRAINING SESSION
1 7 T H F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 2

2. G U I D A N C E F O R C I R C L E T I M E

3. WHAT IS A CIRCLE?
A circle is “a closed plane curve consisting of all
points at a given distance from a point within it
called the center”.
• So, it is a closed curve consisting of all points on
that curve: meaning there is no beginning and no
end.
• With respect to people, a circle is a universal
simple, yet ancient, symbol of unity and
togetherness. Again, it has no beginning and no
end.
• Everyone in the circle is an equal part of that
group.

4. OBJECTIVES FOR CIRCLE TIME:
• To practice turn taking skills
• To understand sequencing
• To respond to their own name
• Follow simple instructions
• Follow complex instruction
• To categorise based on given criteria
• Share and recount experiences
• Practice early counting skills
• Explore cultural differences within the
group
• To learn things about the world

5. CIRCLE TIME AT RAINBOW
There is a daily circle
theme for the main
learning topic
All staff should lead
circle time
Each practitioner should
lead at least once per
week
Cover staff should also
can lead circle time!
Staff can talk to their
team leaders or
Professional
Development Leader
about their circle time
ideas
In the meeting room
(ground floor) there are
resource boxes for
many topics and
themes, these can be
used!

6. CIRCLE TIME

7. DO’S
• Keep the same circle time routine
• Be super-organized and well prepared
• Have resources ready
• Think about circle time before you do
• Have a plan of what you will do
• Enter the room or space BEFORE the children and ‘set up’ the space
• Be there when the children arrive, and help them to be seated
• Remind children of the circle times rules as they enter, and when they sit
• Make your circle time fun, interesting and interactive
• Give lots of opportunities for interactive
• Minimize interruptions
• Remove disruptive children
• Learn from each circle time you lead!

8. DON’TS
• Do the same old thing everyday
• Give vague instructions
• Expect children to sit and listen for too long
• Pitch it above their ability to understand and comprehend
• Bring children into an unprepared space
• Keep children waiting!

9. THINGS TO CONSIDER
• Community of learners : introduce new concepts and ideas, read together, sing
together, and build a sense of respect and support for one another…
• Interactive – children should not just be passive observers of the experience
• Responsive – Think about when it is time to move on, slow down, do more, do less,
get up and move…
• Routine is King – Before, During and After | Visual, auditory and behavioural clues
• Uninterrupted – other staff do what they can to ‘protect the sacred space’
• Keep it to 10 – 15 minutes, no more
• Bring your full energy to circle time (not half hearted) – and be prepared – know what
you are going to in advance

10. THE WHEELS ON THE F*#KING BUS!

11. USE A RANGE OF SONGS
Mix familiar
songs, with
new songs at
circle time
1
Let children
choose their
favorites
sometimes
2
Use a variety!
3
Push
YOURSELF
to learn new
songs!
4
Not the wheels on the bus EVERY circle time!!

13. TWO HELPFUL
RESOURCES FOR SONGS:
• https://www.youtube.com/watch
?v=tt24uA3UG5M
• https://livingmontessorinow.co
m/free-educational-songs-for-
circle-time/

14. GENERAL
CIRCLE TIME
ROUTINE:
Good morning Song or Counting
A familiar action song
Something Active (stretching)
A new or less familiar song
A small teaching talk… (Eg where do shells come from, soon it will
be Purim)
A short activity (Eg passing something to feel, smell etc)
A familiar song
Off you go (call children by name to leave the circle)

15. HOW TO SUPPORT CIRCLE TIME
Often there will be other practitioners in the space or room while one person is leading
the circle time. What can the other practitioners do to help?
• Help to manage behaviour – quietly
• Take out disruptive children to another room or space
• JOIN IN – and model for the children what ‘good participation’ looks like
• Take part in singing the songs
• Sit strategically in the circle away from the leader, so the adults are spread out
• Help to minimize disruptions (for example if someone comes into the room, YOU deal
with it)
• Help with technical issues, like cueing the speaker or music, handing out resources,
collecting things back in! Or running to get something that was forgotten
• Don’t take over from the person leading…! Give them your full support