Playfelt, I know exactly what you are saying!!!!! My old group was all 3 & 4 year olds last year, but this year I brought in babies. So today when we were outside playing all 5 of them, ages 15 mo., 16 mo., 24 mo., and the oldest are both just barely 4 were all engaged with the toys and activities. I've never had an issue with a child having problems playing outside.

Where I'm having trouble with the 3 babies is at circle time because they couldn't care less when we are in the toyroom. So I now have circle time during lunch or snack or just after crafting when they are all pinned down in their boosters at my dining room table and not able to run off or be distracted. I find I have their full attention and they will even look at a whole book while I read to them and enjoy the finger game/songs and puppets.

How do you keep your young group engaged at circle time?