Finding time for circle time

[sunnydays]

While I do all of the elements of a circle time spread out throughout the day or week, I rarely seem to find the right time to have an actual circle time. We read tons of stories, sing lots of songs, do puppet shows, and felt board stories and activities (thank you Playfelt!), but I never seem to find the time to sit down and have a consistent actual circle time. For me, having lots of outside time is really important as well as time for creative art and then I also really feel the kids need lots of time for free-play to foster their imaginations and independence. Maybe it's because my schedule is a bit tight due to having to drop off and pick up my son at his bus...I don't know. I just can't seem to fit it in! How do you fit it all in without over-structuring the kids?