Do it when they are in their high chairs having snack. They sit and eat, "trapped" while you read a story. When they are done eating, sing a couple of songs and then let them go.

Mostly I would let circletime as such go until they are older. Kids under two don't understand the concept of sit still so why make them. There will be plenty of opportunity to sing a quick song or do a fingerplay in the middle of play.

For stories stick to board books with only a few words on a page and then leave the book for them to look at on their own or put out a few board books and let them bring them to you when they want them read.

The important thing is to remember the purpose of circletime is basically language/academic lessons and it is one method used - but meant for older kids that have the group social mentality not meant for toddlers.

Instead build the learning into play - count how many cars are in a row, what colour of blocks, make patterns (red, blue, red, blue, ask what comes next). Sing a lullaby as child rocks the dolly. The point is learning needs to be seen as a natural consequence to the child so they will be inclined to willing engage in it and not an external "thing" they do over there in between their real work of playing.