Circle Time

[AmandaKDT]

I find my circle time goes well, I've had lots of practice though. I used to do it when I was teaching in a school too, so I have lead them about a zillion times now for kids from 1 year old to 14 years old.

I always do things in the same order. I have a large calendar that I got laminated and then all the number are laminated too with zelcro on the back so that we add a number every day.

1. Welcome Song
2. Talk about the calendar, ask who knows what month it is
3. Sing Days of the Week song and get one of kids to move the marker to the current week day
4. Count the numbers on the calendar and get one of the kids put the next number on (often will have them do actions as we count, like jump or march)
5. Read a story, usually tied to my theme. Ask the older kids afterwards to describe what their favourite part of the story was
6. Do some fingerplays and songs, usually a combo of favourites and some tied to the theme (
I make up small posters with the words of ones that are new and put on the wall so Idon't forget the words)
7. Sometimes flannel board songs
8. Do a hands washing song if we are having snack afterwards
9. Dismiss the kids one by one in a fun way (if you are wearing red, hand me your mat)

I keep things really active and involve the kids as much as possible. I have a 19 month old, a 21 month old and three 4 year olds.

Most of my songs and activities have come from just googling 'fingerplays' or 'preschool circle time' that go along with my themes. I don't consider myself a good singer but I just go for it because the kids don't care.

My kids like the Little People brand kids CD's.

I know you are looking for more specific details, but it is really hard to describe in writing. I wish I could invite you to my house!

[nschildcare]

I keep things really active and involve the kids as much as possible.

I think 'active' is the key word, at least for my group

Some simple active ideas:
Tell a story and have the kids act out characters or actions. Familiar stories that you can "tell" and the kids "know".
Animal songs = act like the animals
Make a letter or shape or number with their body and/or friend
Simple stretches - sit with your legs in a V and make pizza. Spread the sauce, sprinkle cheese, chop up pepperoni, etc
Charades
Weather actions - have a rainstorm, rain gets louder, louder, louder, BOOM. I have dowels that they tap on the floor for rain, and then clap together for thunder
Yoga - I am a children's yoga instructor but if you are familiar with some basic yoga poses you can bring that into your circle time. I do it as a separate activity, though.
Google some fingerplays. My kids love these and it is easy to find some that correspond with your theme or for holidays.

I don't usually have cds for circle time but we usually have music on in the background, otherwise. I really like Sharon Lois and Bram and Charlotte Diamond. I used to have a cd by David Suzuki, too, can't remember what it was called, but it was an environmental one and the kids loved the songs on that. Very catchy and upbeat. I like some of the Barenaked Ladies kids cd. Mostly we listen to to the ones I mentioned, Raffi, Fred Penner and then some music I like, Jack Johnson esp.