Circle Time Summary

The article I chose to reflect on is called “You Can Make Time Developmentally Appropriate” by Karen Stephens. I chose this particular article to reflect on because I think circle time can be important and often times parents don’t know the value of circle time. However, in the last year I have learned how challenging circle time can be and I am looking for ways to make changes to circle time to help me become a better educator. I really enjoyed reading over the article and taking some of the tricks to heart. The beginning of the article talks about how challenge having circle time can be for any new teacher. The author states on several occasions that circle time can take years to completely master. She reminds teachers to let the children lead to keep children attention but yet the teacher needs to be capable of being serious, whimsical and humorous. The
The author goes on to show us how we can make circle time developmentally appropriate but follow some simple rules. She starts off by telling us to base circle time around the children interest. Follow their lead when panning for activities. Next it is important to set the stage for appropriate behaviors. Anticipate distraction, make sure everyone can see you and that those who are easily distracted are close to the teacher. Make sure transitions are smooth. Make sure other staff are helping during circle time. They could be sitting amongst the children or helping children focus. Make sure you take turns leading the kiddos as well. Teachers should set expectation for the children and use positive behavioral strategies to guide children. Let the children guide circle time by picking a book and play games of chance to include them. Be creative when getting their attention, a teacher could keep objects in the front of the classroom