UNPLUGGED CIRCLE TIME

Circle time should be a natural time when you look the children in their eyes and give them 100% of your attention. Let this be an AUTHENTIC time when it’s just YOU and the CHILDREN!
Be in the moment!


Do Your Own Thing- Each class is different and unique. Get to know your kids and adapt activities to stimulate them and create interest.

Intentional Teaching– What’s the point? Think of your goals and objectives and then make a plan. What age do you teach? What is their skill level?

Balance – Integrate activities where children sit and then let them stand and wiggle. Sometimes they need to be quiet and listen, and sometimes they can be encouraged to talk.

Hands-on– Try to provide multi-sensory experiences to activate different pathways to the brain. Finger plays, movement songs, handshakes, and real objects will engage children more than watching a video.

Vary the Stimulus– Yes, you want to have a basic routine to give children security and help them feel comfortable, but you need a little spark each day to keep them focused and curious.

Model, Model, Model! Children learn more from your actions than your words. Model sitting quietly, listening attentively when a child is talking, being enthusiastic with your facial expressions, and making the motions for the songs and finger plays.

Quit while you are ahead! Don’t make circle time too long! Start with 10-15 minutes and then extend it as the year goes along. They will let you know by their body language when they’ve had enough!

Follow a basic routine:

Good Morning Song
Handshake
Morning Message/Review Schedule
Calendar and Weather
Pledge, Rules & Mantra
Active - Skill Songs
Concept Lesson – Theme

You might also want to highlight a different area of the curriculum each day of the week.

Marvelous Monday– Teach a new nursery rhyme or finger play. Practice it each day at circle time.

Terrific Tuesday– What’s in the news? Introduce social studies concepts of interest to the children. Discuss friendship and showing kindness. Brainstorm what to do about classroom behavior issues.

Wonderful Wednesday– Focus on oral language with show and tell, echo chants, and phonological awareness games.

Thrilling Thursday– There’s always something interesting outside your classroom door that your children will be interested in. Each season brings new experiences and objects to observe.

Fabulous Friday– Just for fun! Play a silly game, have a dress up day (silly socks, shirt of favorite sports team, etc.), be DJ and play favorite songs, etc.

My hope is that you’ll be a little more excited to start the new school year and have some fun as you make plans so EVERY DAY WILL BE THE BEST DAY EVER!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b74N-h_4oB4

CIRCLE TIME FOREVER

You know I’ve been at this rodeo a LONG time, but before they put me out to the pasture, I want to keep all the ideas I’ve gleaned along the way alive and I want them available for you. I am a broken record saying, “THE WORLD KEEPS CHANGING, BUT CHILDREN ARE THE SAME.” The activities I used in my classroom years ago will still work for you today. You can call it circle time, or morning meeting, or anything you want, but the bottom line is it’s a special way to start your day.  

P.S.  I actually think the world would be a better place if we all started our day with circle time!

What if someone says that circle time is a waste of time?
What would you respond? Do you really think it’s a waste of time? Most of us who have actually sat in a circle with our children to start the day realize it is MAGIC! It is the way to connect with your children, nurture your classroom family, develop social /emotional skills, and set the stage for the day. Since standards and skills are driving education, take a look at these skills that can be nurtured in a natural way at circle time.

Oral language– Children learn to feel comfortable talking in a group and expressing their thoughts and opinions. They also learn to listen to their classmates and respect their ideas.

Literacy skills– Alphabet songs, phonological awareness activities, choral reading, nursery rhymes, finger plays, daily message, and classroom print can be highlighted at circle time.

Math concepts– Talking about the calendar, counting the friends present, comparing sizes, or discussing shapes can be a meaningful part of circle time.

Executive function– As children learn to sit quietly and participate in a group they are developing self-regulation. There is also a beginning and an end to the routine.

Classroom management– This is a time when the teacher can reinforce simple skills, explain classroom activities, review the daily schedule, and model expectations.

Social skills– Learning to take turns and listen to classmates is expected in circle time. As children sing songs together or say rhymes or finger plays they can have fun with their friends. At this group time you can brainstorm classroom problems – tattling, hurting someone’s feelings, pushing in line, etc.

Emotional skills– In circle time all children can be accepted and valued for their individuality. Feelings that we are all different, but that’s O.K., are of primary focus.

Physical skills– Dances and movement songs release wiggles and oxygenate the brain. Cross-lateral activities activate the brain and get it ready to learn.

Science & Social Studies– Talking about the weather, the leaves changing colors, the different ways families celebrate, classroom pets, and real events in the children’s world are meaningful topics at circle time. Specific themes and units of study can also be integrated into this large group time.

Fall in Love with Books- Circle time can be used for book walks, talks, themes, and bibliotherapy.



We Can Make a Circle
This is a precious song to gather the children and make a circle. It goes to the tune of “Lassie and Laddie.” Take the hands of several children and slowly walk in a circle as you sing.

We can make a circle, a circle, a circle.
We can make a circle and hold hands right now.
Hold hands with a friend, a circle never ends.
We can make a circle and hold hands right now.
Hint! Continue singing the song until all the children have joined hands to make a circle. Sit down and you’re ready to begin.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b74N-h_4oB4 

PARENTS WANTED!

Sending your child to school for the first time or tenth time can be stressful and scary for parents. Here are some ideas to let families know that you are going to treasure their child and give them a happy, successful year.

Welcome Kit
Add the following items to a zip bag along with the letter:
cotton ball, Hershey’s kiss, sticker, rubber band, penny, tissue, gold star, band aid, Life Saver, gold thread eraser (You can adapt these items any way you'd like.)

Welcome to your new classroom. Each item in this bag
has a special meaning for you!”

*The cotton ball is to remind you that this room is full of kind words and warm feelings.
*The chocolate kiss is to remind you that I care about you.
*The sticker is to remind you that we will all need to stick together and
help each other.
*The rubber band is to remind you to hug someone.
*The penny is to remind you that you are valuable and special.
*The tissue is to remind you to help dry someone’s tears.
*The star is to remind you to shine and always try your best.
*The bandage is to remind you to heal hurt feelings in your friends and yourself.
*The gold thread is to remind you that friendship ties our hearts together.
*The eraser is to remind you that everyone makes mistakes, and that is okay.
*The Life Saver is to remind you that you can always come to me if you need someone to help you.
With love, (Teacher’s Signature)

TLC for Parents
Put the note below in an envelope with a cotton ball and tea bag and send it home to the parents the first day of school.

Dear Parents,
Thank you for entrusting your child to me. I promise to do my best every day to be your
child’s companion in learning. Sit down, relax, and have a cup of tea. Hold the cotton ball in your hand to remind you of the gentle spirit of your child. I know we will have a wonderful year as we learn and grow together!
Sincerely, (Teacher’s Name)




Tear Tea
Sometimes it’s as difficult for the parents to say good-bye as it is for the children. Planning a tea for parents in the library after they drop their children off will ease the separation. It would also be a great time to recruit volunteers for the school!

Hint! Give a pack of tissues as a party favor!

WANTED! PARENT VOLUNTEERS!

The first of the school year is the optimal time to "invite" parents to volunteer.

Brown Bag Special
This is perfect for the working parent. Put materials for making games, art projects, etc. in a brown grocery sack. Children get to deliver the “brown bag special” to their parents to complete at home. They will be so proud to return the bag knowing that their parent is involved in their classroom!

Hint! For parents with computer access and financial resources, ask them to download books and free materials from the internet. For other parents, you could put in paper and a pattern for them to cut out for a class game. Everybody can do something and everybody needs to feel appreciated for their efforts!




Helping Hands
Cut out paper hands and write different items you would like for your classroom, such as paper lunch bags, tissues, plastic bags, etc. (You know all those things you have to buy with your own money! Materials could range from something inexpensive to a Dust Buster or old rocking chair.) Tape these to your door and “invite” parents who would like to help to choose a hand and purchase those items.

RULES RAP

Rules help children feel secure and know what behavior is expected of them. Choose a few simple rules and state them in a positive way.

Hint! This "Rules Rap" will be a fun way to start your day singing and dancing.

Rules Rap
Chorus:
The rules, the rules, the rules of the classroom. (Snap fingers.)
The rules, the rules, the rules of the classroom.

Follow, follow, follow directions, (Point index fingers.)
Follow, follow, follow directions. Chorus

Feet and hands, feet and hands, (Point to feet and hands.)
Feet and hands to yourself. Chorus

Small voices inside, tall voices on the playground.
(Quiet voice, then loud voice.)
Small voices inside, tall voices on the playground. Chorus

Work together, don’t fight, or you’ll get in trouble.
(Clasp hands, then hold nose.)
Work together, don’t fight, or you’ll get in trouble. Chorus
YEAH!

Here's a video where your children can do the "Rules Rap" with me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z60vA7vVYUY

After teaching the class the “Rules Rap” discuss why rules are important. Say, “I know everyone in our class has a good rule to share with us.” Give each child a sheet of paper to draw a rule. Older students can write the rule and younger students can dictate the rule. Put their rules together, make a cover, and bind to make a book. Explain that when adults agree to do something they sign a contract. “Everyone made these rules. Are you all going to obey these rules? (Of course, they’ll agree!) Then I’m going to let you put your thumb on an ink pad and stamp your thumbprint on our book to show that you will abide by these rules.”




When children are doing something they shouldn’t be doing take the book and point to a page as you say, “Look, it says _______ in the book. Show me the right thing to do.”


If You Don't Know What to Do
Here's a song to "If You're Happy and You Know It" that will suggest a positive model for children who are not following directions.

If you don't know what to do, look at (child's name).
If you don't know what to do, look at (child's name).
He/she will show you what to do so you can do it, too.
If you don't know what to do, look at (child's name).

CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT TOOLS

I don't have a toolbox that will fix all your problems this school year, but I do have a few tools and tips that might help.

Flashlight Spotlight
Take a flashlight and shine it on a child who is modeling the behavior you are looking for. “Spotlight on (child’s name). He’s got his math book and he’s ready to learn.”

Happy Chappy
You will need some lip balm with a fragrance. Gently rub children’s right hand with a “happy chappy” when they are following directions.




You Knock My Socks Off!
You will need an old pair of socks, a stick, and a piece of string 18” long for this project. Tie a sock to each end of the string. Tie the middle of the string to the stick. When children do something outstanding, take the stick and wave it in the air as you say, “You knock my socks off!”

Mr. Good for You!
A cloth glove, markers, fiberfill, and pipe cleaner are all you need to make a “good for you hand.” First, draw a happy face on one side of the glove with the markers. Fill the glove tightly with fiberfill or another stuffing. Gather the bottom of the glove and secure with a pipe cleaner. Children get “Mr. Good for You” and pat themselves on the back when they accomplish a new task.




Magic Lotion
Take an empty pump dispenser of hand lotion and remove the label. Make a new label for the lotion that says, “Mr./Mrs. (your name)’s Magic Lotion” and tape it to the bottle. When children are upset, frustrated, get a boo boo, or have hurt feelings, give them a “squirt” of magic lotion.

Brain Toys
Fill a shoebox or basket with knotted socks or stress balls. Suggest children get a brain toy when they can’t keep their hands to themselves.



Peace Flower
When two children have a disagreement let them hold the flower with both hands as they look at each other. When they have resolved their conflict they can hug and to back and play.

Awesome Sauce(Marilyn Borden)
Get a pump dispenser of lotion and make a new label that says “Awesome Sauce.” When kids do something great give them a squirt!



I’m Done Jar (Deb Rocco)
Put pictures of activities that children can do if they finish their work (puzzle, etch-a-sketch, easel) on sticks. Place these in a jar that says “I’m Done.” When children finish their work they can choose a stick and do that activity.

CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT SECRETS

As I was going through some old files I came across a handout titled “Top Ten Secrets of Classroom Management.” Although it was written years ago, I believe the points are as timely as ever. It was a reminder once again that GOOD TEACHING IS GOOD TEACHING! I hope you’ll find at least one or two tips that will ring clear for you this new school year.

1. Be firm, fair, and consistent. (I actually learned this in my first education class. It’s one of those things that sounds simple, but it’s not always easy.)

*Keep cool, calm, and use a quiet voice. (As you lower your voice and breath slowly you will “pull” them in.)

2. Follow a daily schedule.

*Start each day in a happy way. (Of course, a Dr. Jean silly song always works.)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z60vA7vVYUY

*Use routines and rituals. (My handshakes, attention grabbers, and cheers are what I’m talking about.)

3. Communicate clearly and concisely. (Say what you mean and mean what you say.)

*Use your body language, facial expression, and tone of voice. (Develop your own “look” that means “get it together now!”)

*Use sign language.

4. Have classroom rules that are few, simple, and affirmative. (Let’s hear it for the “Rules Rap.”)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z60vA7vVYUY

*Be specific about what is acceptable and unacceptable behavior. (You may do this, but you may not do that!)

5. Use positive guidance techniques.

*Redirect. (Give them something positive to do to replace the negative behavior.)

*Natural consequences. (You hurt Juan’s feelings. How can you make him feel better?)

*Discipline in private. (I found it worked best to pull a child quietly aside, hold their hands, look in their eyes, and talk to them about what they needed to do.)

6. Prevent problems whenever possible.

*Divide and conquer. (Separate those trouble makers!)

*Problem solve with the children. (Talk to them when there is a classroom issue. Get their input into how to improve the situation.)

*Observe and document. (Children tell us things by their behavior. Do they argue over a classroom object? Are they fidgety before math? How can you manipulate the environment and schedule to alleviate the issue?)

7. Use a variety of teaching strategies and grouping techniques. (Another timeless tip I learned my first year in college was to vary the instructional strategies. You can’t do the same thing over and over.)

*Large group.
*Small group.
*Independent.
*Choices.

8. Provide children with opportunities to vent energy.

*Brain breaks. (This is nothing new. Children have always needed to wiggle. And teachers need to wiggle, too!)

*Sing and dance. (I’ve got lots of free videos to help you.)

*Exercise.

*Talking recess. (Let them have a babble break and just walk around the room and chit-chat with their friends for a few minutes.)

9. Only do what only you can do!
(Don’t wear yourself out doing menial tasks.)

*Encourage children to accept responsibility.

*Be a model for them. (They won’t know how to wash the tables or put away materials if you don’t demonstrate first.)

*Set high expectations. (It’s amazing what little children can do if you expect it.)

10.Keep a bag of tricks up your sleeve….and that’s what I’ll share with you today! Come back tomorrow for some of those tricks!

RIDDLES IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH

HOW ABOUT SOME SUMMER RIDDLES ?

https://bit.ly/drJSumRiddlesNarrated

SPANISH VERSION LINK BELOW

Click here for Spanish Riddles

Use link below to download printables for these riddles,
English and Spanish versions

https://bit.ly/drJRiddleCards

BUT WAIT!  THERE'S MORE!

YouTube Narrated - https://bit.ly/drJFruitRiddlesNarr

PDF Handout - https://bit.ly/drJRiddleRationale

https://bit.ly/drJRiddlesSpanishNarr