My Secret to a Successful Circle Time

[@KaraCarrero]

It's so funny that we sometimes think we DO know a song by heart and you get halfway through it only to realize... nope, forgot parts!

[@deepgrewal54]

Exactly!

[@Mamafan13]

Just did Mary Had A Little Lamb and my mind went blank on the last phrase of verse 2 and 3😊

[@EverydayEnglishUSA]

What a great way to do the 5 Little Monkeys prop! I love it! elastic on the back is a genius idea!

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

Thank you! I have since created my own 5 Little Monkeys printable that is part of this song & rhyme props pack, if you are interested: www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Song-and-Rhyme-Visual-Props-Toddler-Favorites-6272693

[@jenniferhawes9296]

Wow this video is excellent! The idea to use puppets to get the toddlers to come to the carpet is genius. I also love the Five Little Monkeys finger book! The kids love the five little monkeys.

[@reganstandlick7520]

I love that Five little Monkey Idea and the binder idea. I am still newer to teaching toddlers and infant and am having to really learn new ideas.

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

Music is always loved at circle time with our toddlers. ❤️

[@reganstandlick7520]

@@Teaching2and3YearOlds Where do you find the songs to print off?

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

@@reganstandlick7520 - Because I've been teaching for over 2 decades, I've found songs here and there, many from books that are no longer in print. I do have these collections: teaching2and3yearolds.com/preschool-fall-songs-for-circle-time/; teaching2and3yearolds.com/favorite-preschool-winter-songs/. My plan is to have other seasons, too. Just hasn't happened yet. You can also do a search on Pinterest for circle time songs and also Teachers Pay Teachers.

[@KindredKeepsake]

I need to make a circle-time basket!

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

KindredKeepsake It’s so helpful!

[@glendaaugustyn9170]

Glenda Augustyn, Cape Town South Africa, thank you for sharing. Starting up a new group. I have 2 5 year Olds, who has hardly been to a playgroup. So I am hanging onto your every word.

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

So happy you’ve found my channel!

[@ascensioncano3606]

I like the idea of the 5 little monkeys and the puppets. Thanks

[@martaspencer5726]

I think you are an awesome teacher!! Thank you for sharing all your expertise.

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

Thank you, Marta! Happy to help!

[@JessicaS0105]

That's good idea, and thank you for sharing

[@aparnabiswas5207]

I like all your lovely ideas. Thanks for sharing. I would add the calender and weather laminated pieces as well

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

Aparna Biswas - Thank you! 😊

[@mistywheeler3099]

Good idea for older preschool or Pre K

[@danielleonn1823]

I am super interested in taking a peek at that binder!

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

danielle onn - basically I have page dividers for each season. I store copies of my favorite songs and fingerplays in this binder, organized by seasons.

[@mariacabrera1607]

Me too....😄

[@gabrielajimenez7443]

Yesss pleassssee!🙏🏻

[@mistywheeler3099]

I love to use a choice board for songs and have a song helper. Children love repetition.

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

They really do!

[@pageleanne7100]

the daycare I work at, all these nice things she has, all the decorations everywhere would be DESTROYED. I don’t know how people have anything nice in their classroom

[@bobbysbackyard5310]

As someone who works at a daycare I would love to hear your thoughts on this video I just made "5 Little Ducks - Bobby's Backyard - SONGS" I would appreciate any advice you would be willing to give! thank you!!

[@dekbrisbane7294]

page leanne Same but I work in preschool room. They still rip the books apart, what a shame!!!

[@gata0190]

Thank you very useful this is week 4 at a new daycare job and found this and im glad very informative

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

I hope it’s helpful when planning your circle times!

[@teachingremedy]

Love your binder idea!! I’m definitely going to do that! Thanks for sharing!!

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

read'n'bloom - Good! Please let me know how it goes!

[@sharonellwood6289]

Thank you for your fantastic videos. You are such an inspiration!!

[@Rosequartz033]

Love the book idea. Need that

[@sandralima8777]

Thank you so much for your tips! Love your videos. Would you be willing to demonstrate how to use juggling scarfs? I would greatly appreciate

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

Hi Sandra! Sometimes we will simply use them with any music while dancing. Other times, I will use them with specific scarf songs. You can find them in this playlist: open.spotify.com/playlist/0Oc8XaOtIqTOyTGmhAgtvq?si=6ee7303aa333405a

[@kubrakirazl3640]

it’s so useful to have fingerplay songs book in your basket🙏

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

It has truly saved me!

[@thejayman77771]

Your room looks great and I love these circle time tips!

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

Salamander M. - Thank you!

[@darlenegriffith3239]

Thank you! Can I make a video of all the songs you have I. Your binder!

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

You might be interested in these pdf’s for fall: teaching2and3yearolds.com/preschool-fall-songs-for-circle-time/

[@soniatriana9091]

Great tips!! Thanks!!

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

You are so welcome. Thank you for watching!

[@donnabrown3209]

Thank you for sharing another wonderful video! Can you make a video sharing your top ten topics to cover at the beginning of the school year? Just like you mentioned, showing during circle how to put a cap back on markers, can you share more ideas like that? Love your channel!💕💕💕

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

I sure can! Thank you for the suggestion! ❤️

[@hillaryreynolds7168]

This is so helpful! I have been trying to find a name/pattern for those yarn fidget toys, but am coming up short. Do you know, or can you ask the creator how she made them, please?

[@nicolewall9777]

I'm not the person who made them BUT they look like something I crocheted for my cats to play with! I found them on Ravelry under "cat toys". LOL

[@hillaryreynolds7168]

@@nicolewall9777 Thank you!

[@ginafallarcuna2708]

Thanks this v8edeo helps me a lot. Am from Philippines.

[@prachidhawan3932]

Hi . Loved your props for circle time. Gonna be using your ideas in my class. Could you also share some must have picture / story books for 3 year olds.

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

Thank you! Here's some of our favorites: teaching2and3yearolds.com/favorite-preschool-books-for-classroom-library/

[@prachidhawan3932]

Thank you for an earnest reply. but this link is not working.

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

@@prachidhawan3932 Hmmm… not sure why as it’s working for me. Perhaps try a different browser? Or if you go to my website you can do a search for “preschool books”.

[@prachidhawan3932]

@@Teaching2and3YearOlds Thank you. It worked now. I am also looking for working opportunities abroad as a preschool teacher. I want to a specialized course in preschool teaching. Could you suggest something? TEFL is also on my mind.

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

@@prachidhawan3932 - I'm glad it is working now! I don't have suggestions for teaching courses, but you could ask on my Facebook page: facebook.com/groups/349498425589921

[@louisefann9690]

Thank you so much! You’re very creative!

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

Thank you for watching! 😊

[@m.argevzzr.1231]

Thanks for sharing!

[@rudyzuniga3316]

Awesome thanks!!!

[@tinastaehr5951]

I love the basket! Where did you get it? I use a box for my group time items but think the basket would be so much better.

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

Tina Staehr - Unfortunately I cannot find it anywhere (and I have looked because so many people have asked me about it). My co-teacher from years ago donated it to the classroom. It’s a wonderful basket and super sturdy!

[@mysteryminibebevlogs]

can you do a video showing how to make the 5 little monkey's or something else

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

I have since created a 5 Little Monkeys Printable that is part of a circle time packet: www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Song-and-Rhyme-Visual-Props-Toddler-Favorites-6272693

[@Tia_Eva]

Excelente!!! +1 super like aqui merecido!!!🎉❤😊

[@hananmohammed5570]

This is my favourite place

[@prekinders-preschoollearni9718]

Great tips, Sheryl! :)

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

PreKinders - Preschool Learning Activities - Thank you! ❤️

[@AnnaBreit]

Is that a chicka chicka boom boom tree!!! OMG I want one!

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

Yes, it is! It was left in the classroom when I took over last fall. Isn't it great?

[@AnnaBreit]

Teaching 2 and 3 Year Olds yes!!! I teach ESL in China and the kids would love this! Any idea where we could find one? I love that book too

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

If I find it, I will let you know!

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

Anna Breithaupt - I’m sorry, but I don’t. 😢

[@Vanessa-wp1sp]

@@AnnaBreit i know its late and u may have found it but amazon has one www.amazon.com/TREE-PROPS-CHICKA-Boom/dp/B00IHTUCX6

[@tammyjordan9266]

What do you suggest on how to tell a child to stay seated in circle time and not to misbehave during circle time

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

If a child isn’t ready or doesn’t want to be at circle time, they can look at a book in our reading area or sit at our writing table and join us when ready. Or my assistant might sit with them at circle time. But this is why I use props and try to keep my circle times short and engaging and always keeping in mind what is developmentally appropriate for this age group.

[@marialitenieremigio666]

Toddlers can’t sit longer so might need to have quick circle, otherwise it will be dismissed and lose interest

[@jiesuo9976]

Thank you so much for sharing this!!! Could you share more on your songbook? I'd love to learn your tips on organizing and presenting so many songs!

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

I will work on that! Thank you!

[@marieltorrestorres5469]

Thanks!

[@bethfoor1965]

Love your room! 😊

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

Beth Foor Thank you so much!

[@staceyc0123]

Hello! Wanting to purchase your toddler bundle, but not sure how the additional 3 plans will be added after I purchase the bundle. I would definitely need the fall themed plans. How does this work, and will it be available by June so I can plan for the fall? Thanks

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

All the themes are included in the bundle now. 😊

[@chayrilzoejohnson]

Thanks for all your idea.

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

debra smith - You are very welcome!

[@sofiabennani9741]

Thanks for sharing

[@gayleefreedman2308]

Which Five Little Monkeys Book allows for making copies? I would like to make the puppets you show in your video.

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

I have actually created a Five Little Monkeys printable that is in our props pack: www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Song-and-Rhyme-Visual-Props-Toddler-Favorites-6272693

[@beccaminkin8399]

You are legally allowed to make copies of anything in a book as long as you are not trying to make money from it.

[@bbs3886]

Can i ask, when you see someone needs a fidget and you hand it out....don't all the other kids then WANT one too? What do you do / say?

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

I have enough for the whole class. At first they all want one, but after awhile the “novelty” wears off and only the child(ren) who really need/want them take one from the basket.

[@marviav3071]

A circle basket really work. They looked forward to transition. Change up the things you do and how you brings them across children will get bored

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

Absolutely!

[@calianjeza6483]

Love your Mash bag where did you purchase

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

cali anjeza Isn’t it a cute bag? Unfortunately I have no idea where it came from. 🙁 My former co-teacher donated it to the classroom and I’ve searched and searched online but cannot find it. I absolutely love it!

[@katiegodinho2275]

Do you think these things would be successful at home? I was a preschool teacher before becoming a stay at home mom, and I cannot get my preachooler to sit and pay attention for long than one minute. The struggle is RIDICULOUS!

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

Katie Godinho - Yes, you can definitely use these tips at home. Start with short activities and build as your preschooler is ready. Also, your preschooler might enjoy helping pick out books. Try having baskets of books and related materials available that your preschooler can stop and enjoy on his own, too. Make it fun without pushing.

[@dumassaycheese]

You’re so pretty 😍

[@jubelhilig5316]

i have A question what material you using to make the monkeys

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

Jubel Hilig - That was from an older teacher’s book that isn’t around anymore. However, I will be creating a new printable for my newsletter subscribers and will let everyone know when it’s available. 😊

[@mandyardman5974]

How many children do you have in your class?

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

Nine. We can have up to 10.

[@learningisfunwithmeenakshi3679]

👍👍👍👍

[@johnrogan9420]

The toddlers can be entertained, but the long term effect is undisciplined children who fail to learn from their mistakes.😢

[@just_ari3783]

This is freaking awesome adorable and very creative. Helpful tips. You made those??🥰🫶🏾