Before we get started, what is circle time? Well, this is when daycare service providers sit with the kids in their care and introduce them to new activities. In normally circumstances, the kids sit in a circle on the floor. The commonest circle time activities involve playing counting games, reading stories or singing songs. Unfortunately, when working mixed-age kids, it can be challenging for the younger kids to sit still and enjoy circle time. But with the following tips, any daycare in Vaughan can keep the kids fully engaged and thrilled about circle time and its activities.
Make use of mystery
Make certain to keep your circle time books and props well hidden in a basket or any other hiding place to have the kids all excited and engaged in the activities you are about to get started on. Most of the caregiver purposefully keep the materials well covered until it is time to utilize them in a given circle time activity.
The majority of young kids love surprises and will wait eagerly to see what puppet or book their care giver has in his or her basket, or any other hiding place. These should then be brought out one at a time while keeping the rest well hidden under the cloth. This works well to keep the kids fully engaged in the current circle time activity.
Take the lead
Involve the kids in circle time by asking them to take part in leading the activity. Have them take turns selecting an action for their song when book reading. For example, have each kid to lead the group in a barnyard animal sound or silly dance. The anticipation of being the next leader in a game helps the kids to feel part of the action. When children contribute to an action or a song, they are drawn in with their whole being to the activity.
Voluntary participation
Circle time involvement in most daycares is voluntary by nature. However, the caregiver should invite all the kids to join the circle by singing them their favorite circle time song. Those that don’t want to join in should be allowed to do what they want. Because circle time activities always offer lots of fun, most of the kids will want to take part in them.
Sometimes, there might new kids that aren’t used to listening and sitting for extended durations of time. These kids in most cases will be less interested in circle time activities. They need not be forced to take part in activities they don’t want to join in. This eliminates a disinterested kid needing to act out behaviorally at circle time activities since they require moving their bodies. A disinterested kid will soon decide to spend more time with the rest of in a circle time activity until he or she end up staying for the whole activity.
Finger activities
The extra active kids need to be given something to hold in their laps, for example a finger puppet, felt number, a small stuffed animal from a favorite story, and so forth. Daycare providers are encouraged to try and include items that match with current circle time activities. This way, there is always something for the extra active young kids to hold. Kids with busy fingers find it easier to sit in one place while playing with a favorite object.
Proximity play
Make sure to give the kid with the shortest attention span the best spot in the circle. This spot might be in your lap, directly across you or beside you depending on a given activity. Simply put, make certain the kid feels like he or she can see the book or even the felt board. Young children usually say they can’t see what is on a book when they actually mean they want to be closer enough to touch the book.