Circle Time/Whole Group Instruction

[TeachMe]

I want to know how do you get all of your students to join in during circle time/whole group? I am having trouble getting all of my students to sit on the carpet during this time. I thought about making a circle time mat with their name and picture on it. I would have them sit on it while on the carpet during circle time. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!

[Brimir]

Not sure what level you are at, because that can change things. How about playing a certian song that means it is time for circle time. Also, you can place X's on your rug with masking tape so you can be sure kids find a spot. Some teachers even assign certian spots by putting their names on them. You need to be careful though, because this can sometimes distract the kids if they are playing with the tape. Sometimes you just need to practice, practice, practice!

Good Luck!:)

[Ms.Bunny]

Well because of the different temperments and personalities of many children it may take a while to get them all to Join. What i do is ring a bell and they know its circle time, they have assigned seats. I dont use tape or mats i just tell them to look at the friends next to them and try to remember, now of course this takes time but as you do it every day they will get it. Its kind of like a game. At times you have to use a child as example like.... I like the way Tiffany is sitting on the carpet almost all kids like to be praised. Good luck!

[TeachMe]

Ms. Bunny,

Thanks for the advice! I have tried that and it works for some of my students; however, for many of them, it is still a work in progress. I am not so bothered by my students sitting down all at once because I understand that some students are not ready yet, but they will be in due time. What concerns me is how other individuals (principal/instructional coordinators) in the building view the students sitting down all at once. Most of my students have not been in a structured setting and I think they are doing pretty good. I do have some students, who are having a difficult time adjusting to the rules of the classroom. I honestly think that I am just burned out as an early childhood teacher. I also have a certification to teach on the high school level and that is my desire some day. I just want a different type of challenge. In the meantime, I am going to do whatever I can in order to be successful with my group of students this year

[Barbara Dyer]

I have found that children do better sitting in chairs on the circle rug ~ seems there is better attention that way.

[mkcornflower]

My daughter's kindergarten had a piano in their room. Each day she would pick on child to play the keys(start at the low end and go up, hitting each key). When that started all the children put their work away and headed to the circle. By the time the child was done with the piano and had closed the lid again, each child was sitting neatly in the circle. This not only made the circle time fun, it also motivated them to be extra good in class because they might get picked next to play the piano! I don't know if you have a piano in your room, but maybe use one of those little kid xylephones, or let the child push play on a tape recorder that has a tape of kid songs, when everyone is seated they push stop. Just a few ideas for ya.