Adapted from the Reggio listserv:
I just returned from the NAEYC's annual conference in D.C. It was great. Very informative.
At one workshop, there was talk about eliminating circle time from the schedule.
Group instruction is not the best way to teach children. A teacher can never be assured that every child is picking up on what the teacher is presenting. Some might be nodding, especially dual-language learners, copying the other children to get by. Attention span is short for young children. Even when circle time is engaging, physical, entertaining, etc., children's attention will be drawn to their own interests. Only the most comfortable of children participate, especially if you have a class of 17 or more. Playtime and individual instruction is cut short. What can be done in circle time, can be done during play, and it's better because children learn better when they're active. But what struck me most is that children don't choose to go to circle, in many classrooms, it has to be done, not buts about it.
I understand why circle time would not be such a good approach, but I have seen some teachers do some incredible circle times. The activity welcomes children, they talk about what has happened at home, what they will work on during the day, it helps with transitions and routines, etc. I also like that circle time brings children together as a community.
... I struggle with circle time, not in the sense that I can't keep the children engaged, but that it does not fit the values I hold for young children. I want children to come of their own accord to group activities. If I start playing the guitar, or present interesting material and activities, or begin to tell a story, the children gravitate naturally, and when they no longer have interest, they leave when they're ready to, not when I tell them. But these activities happen throughout the day, not at a specific time, and can last a little or long time. But when you're mandated to do circle time at a specific time and then move on, I find it jarring for the children.
I'm wondering what you think about this...
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4 comments:
I agree that circle time might not be appropriate for direct instruction, but if morning meeting is part of responsive classroom approach and it is time for the children to reflect on what they learned, talk about what they are wandering about and includes community building activities, I think it is great. In a circle everyone is equal, welcomed and students get to know one another which, I think, gives them sense of belonging in that classroom.
I agree with Joanna and add that I think it prepares them for Kindergarten where they will be required to sit for some periods of time. Songs are a good literacy tool for all kids and for ELL learners, even copying the actions of their peers is a good step. In ECFE my toddlers love to sing the songs which I do very interactively, and it provides some structure to the 1 1/2 to 2 hour class, along with a transition to parent discussion time. Good food for thought......
i could never eliminate circle time totally, I use it to review things to build on already math skills and do read.
I also do a lot of brain gym so we never sit that long.
I think some people keep it too long an they dont' end it if they see a lot of fidgets.
I do believe you can't do or know certain things about the child in a group, that is why a good run classroom has smaller groups or one on one time with a teacher.
I think circle time can be quite beneficial. We sing songs as a group, look at our calendar, talk about helpers for the day etc... We will also sit in a circle facing eachother and play games or take turns sharing something with friends, like pictures of family or projects done at home. I do however, have days when the majority of children are not really focused on our discussion at group, and I'm constantly reminding them to "listen". Those are the moments where I feel comfortable cutting my circle short to move on to the next activities. I have not always been this way, but I now see the importance of following the children's interests and going with the flow! There are even days where we don't even do a group time!!
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