Relationships

Circle time is a fundamental aspect of early childhood education that brings children together in a communal learning setting. During circle time, children gather in a circle or designated area to engage in a variety of activities that promote social interaction, learning, and the development of essential skills. 

Creating a special area helps establish a routine and a sense of structure for children, enhancing their engagement, social interaction, and overall learning experience during circle time. The most common and traditional location for circle time is a designated area in the classroom that often consists of a large carpet or rug arranged in a circular shape where children can sit comfortably. It may be adorned with colorful cushions or mats to create a cozy and inviting space. You can also consider having circle time in your class reading corner or library or even take circle time outside if weather permits. 

Overall, circle time serves as a time for connection, communication, and collaboration, where children can participate in group discussions, sing songs, listen to stories, play games, and fudamentally practice social-emotional skills.

The following page offers ideas for for approaching personal issues and provides examples of questions that might open discussions on a range of social-emotional subjects.