CIRCLE TIME

Circle Time is a popular activity that’s used in many primary schools to help develop positive relationships between children. It aims to give them tools to engage with and listen to each other.

It’s often used as an opportunity to solve problems that are affecting the class, for example too much talking during lessons, or someone being picked on.

The whole class takes part in Circle Time at the same time, usually led by their teacher, who sits in the circle with their pupils.

The circle encourages unity, respect, turn-taking and working together towards a shared vision.

It also helps children work on five key skills, without which Circle Time doesn’t work: thinking, listening, looking, speaking and concentrating.

Circle Time is used mainly in primary schools, although it can also work in preschool settings. It’s sometimes used in secondary schools, too.

Ideally, it should take place weekly, and last between 20 and 50 minutes, depending on the children’s ages and ability to concentrate.

It’s usually led by a teacher, although sometimes older children run Circle Time for younger pupils.

Circle Time shouldn’t just be a time to chat; it needs a specific structure to make sure all children have the opportunity to be involved.

Certain ground rules apply, and children are often involved in deciding what those rules should be. Common rules include:

 

Putting hands up to speak, and not interrupting;

Taking turns;

Allowing children to ‘pass’ if they don’t want to speak;

Valuing all contributions and not putting anyone down.

Teachers will often put a Do Not Disturb sign on the door so their Circle Time isn’t interrupted.

During Circle Time, children should sit in a circle, either on the floor or on chairs. Their teacher is part of the circle, too, and while they will direct the activities, they should aim to keep a low profile so children have a chance to speak up.

Often, an object like a large shell, a ball, a rubber egg or a teddy will be passed around the circle. When a child is holding the object, it’s their turn to speak.

Teachers will choose from a range of activities, such as co-operative games, rounds, musical games, drama activities, talking and listening exercises, puppets and masks.

Sometimes, a particular issue that’s affecting the class, school or a pupil is tackled; on other occasions, there may be more general discussions around thoughts and feelings.

Circle Time should be fun and light-hearted, and always ends on a positive note with an activity that calms children down and gets them back into learning mode.

The weekly Circle Time for each class enables pupils of all ages, at their own level, to reflect on aspects of their lives, to discuss moral and social issues and to express with confidence their understanding of right and wrong and their sense of justice. Pupils learn to listen to others, to be tolerant of other viewpoints and to respect fellow pupils.’

Read more

https://www.theschoolrun.com/what-circle-time