The Importance of Circle Time in Your Students' Daily Routine
VHFLC's Early Childhood Education programs are heavily comprised of developmentally tailored activities and guided play, but this isn't the only thing that's vital for a complete and enriching ECE experience. There is one daily exercise that
is absolutely necessary for establishing fluidity, organization, and mutual understanding -- and that's circle time!
Studies have shown that sitting down with each other for an established period of time each day is one of the best platforms for working on social and emotional learning. Said Early Childhood educator Ellen Booth Church, "Perhaps more than any other part of your day, your circle is the place for building community and collectively expressing thoughts and feelings. It takes a number of social skills to be able to just sit, listen, and take turns in a group, making circle time the perfect place to get started for the day" (Getting to the Heart of Learning).
Circles are a timeless symbol of unity and wholeness. This concept of togetherness and communication should be established within circle time along with the express goals of being open and accepting of one another. VHFLC prioritizes this sense of community by hosting a daily bonding activity in circle time. Additionally, we encourage mental organization and preparation with a discussion of the day's schedule, and to close, we nourish our bodies and minds with an exercise in something such as movement or music.
But truly, what can be done during circle time is an endless realm of possibilities. Our teachers are always trying new activities and molding their classrooms based on students' individual traits and interests. VHFLC teachers -- what is your circle time experience like? Let us know and we'd love to share about it!
Studies have shown that sitting down with each other for an established period of time each day is one of the best platforms for working on social and emotional learning. Said Early Childhood educator Ellen Booth Church, "Perhaps more than any other part of your day, your circle is the place for building community and collectively expressing thoughts and feelings. It takes a number of social skills to be able to just sit, listen, and take turns in a group, making circle time the perfect place to get started for the day" (Getting to the Heart of Learning).
Circles are a timeless symbol of unity and wholeness. This concept of togetherness and communication should be established within circle time along with the express goals of being open and accepting of one another. VHFLC prioritizes this sense of community by hosting a daily bonding activity in circle time. Additionally, we encourage mental organization and preparation with a discussion of the day's schedule, and to close, we nourish our bodies and minds with an exercise in something such as movement or music.
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| Our University of Portland ECE director, Cala, talks to her students about the fun day ahead. |
But truly, what can be done during circle time is an endless realm of possibilities. Our teachers are always trying new activities and molding their classrooms based on students' individual traits and interests. VHFLC teachers -- what is your circle time experience like? Let us know and we'd love to share about it!
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