How to Start Toddler and Preschool Circle Time (Back-to-School)

[@ceelovesflowers89]

I love this. I have one year olds though and they always want what’s in my hand. It’s hard to show them anything because they want to take it.

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

I can imagine, as even some of my young 2s are like that. This is why it’s helpful for them to have their own props to hold. But I have not tried it with your age group.

[@chesleycrawford8220]

Thank you! These are great reminders for me as I step into teaching this age group again!

[@Who_asked-_-]

Thank you so much for all your videos! I’m a first year teacher and I’m teaching 2/3yo kids. Your video are helping me and my kids. Thank you again.

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

I'm so happy the videos have been helpful. Here's to a wonderful school year!

[@laursouth52]

Similar to the mats we use pillows and get the kids excited who don’t do as well with the transition by saying let’s get to circle time so you can choose the color you like!

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

Love this way of redirecting them to circle time!

[@EvaWhite-c1t]

I start my circle with the song" Where is ' their name', and they will respond, here I am; it's the tune to, where is thumpkin. They will sit on the assigned spot on our rug. They love it & look forward to it daily.

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

@@EvaWhite-c1t - Sounds like they love that start to their day!

[@yolandaruiz5021]

Thank you so much. You have shared such important tips not only for new teachers but for all teachers. I've been in the early childhood field for over 30. years and still look for ways to improve. At my school, we are mixed ages and we just lowered the age group from 3-5yrs to 2yrs-6, plus we are starting a CircleTime for even younger children. Oh boy! Do I ever needed these tips. Thanks again!

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

I am honored to receive this comment from a seasoned teacher! ❤ So glad you have found my resources helpful. No matter how long we have taught (25 years here), it’s so important to keep learning and growing. And I’m constantly learning new things, too!

[@emilylinstrom1058]

Hi Sheryl- As a new teacher to this age group I have been watching your videos and have been gleaning from your wisdom. I will be incorporating your simple start! Thank you so much for this video as it was just what I was looking for ! -Emily

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

I love hearing this, Emily! Have a wonderful new school year!

[@emilylinstrom1058]

Thank you! Same to you.

[@shaunwalker6651]

I'm a retired Home Health Aide, I work with older people, our job is no different we just work with different age groups and disabilities. Older people do circle time but different with them. I have seen pre School, elementary, JHS and HS TEACHERS and medical people that didn't know how to help their parents. My son is autistic and I had to educate myself to help my son. He 29 years old but thanks for the info to relieve some of the stress I've been through 😊

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

Bless you for all you do! I help take care of my elderly mama and there is a lot that goes into their care. ♥️

[@Chaashawarsapah]

Thank you. Tomorrow is my first day in the classroom and I appreciate your tips

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

Have a great first day!

[@AnnetteLaRosa]

Love your circle time ideas! I teach preschoolers who have special learning needs such as Autism. I use cube chairs at circle time to help them sit safely.

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

Thank you! Yes, we've used cube chairs with some children who are involved in early intervention and they can make all the difference!

[@susanwilliams2807]

As always, thank you so much for the tips and reminders to start out simply. Quite often when you end a year, you forget how challenging the actual beginning was. (Sometimes you choose to forget the difficulty)😅

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

So very true, Susan! They grow so much during the school year!

[@tatianalevchenko437]

Thank you so much for these tips, they are invaluable for new teachers!

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

You’re welcome! ❤️

[@thedollsuniversity]

So helpful for a first time lead teacher infant & toddler .

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

Happy to hear it was helpful!

[@jessicalee4737]

I made circles with their name and faces on them, laminated them and put velcro on the back. They love them.

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

Such a great idea. Thank you for sharing! 🙂

[@joannwachukwu1658]

This is so blithe. Thank you, you make it easier for new teachers.

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

You're welcome!

[@caririvera5659]

Love love love your videos, Sheryl!!! 💗

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

@@caririvera5659 - Thank you! ❤️❤️❤️

[@camilleespy7395]

Do you have a video about how to deal with a child with difficult behavior while keeping the rest of the classroom from being out of control?

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

This is where I get my team - including my director- involved so that the child and the rest of the class gets the attention and care that they need.

[@LizEslok]

Depends on the type of behavior, too. But yes, the director is there to help

[@BriCelestine]

What if you don't necessarily have a team ? - assistant teacher or director involvement.

[@kiernanmorris3500]

Thats my situation. We just lost our director and im in a class alone. I have a soft corner with pillows for the kids and if someone feels they are having a hard time being apart of the circle they can sit in the soft corner until they are ready to come back. Thats been my only solution so far. The kids seem to take the time for themselves and come back freely when they are ready. ​@BriCelestine

[@jasmineramos5531]

hi! im curious to know what the child is doing before the behavior. have you tried having the child sit near you, giving the child a helper job has worked miracles for me, i’ve also offered a small fidget toy for the child to hold onto while sitting. if you are blessed with support zone that person support the kiddo and takes notes of whats happening before and after the behavior and see if its a pattern and that can be a good indicator for further development support the child might need

[@gata0190]

Thank you this video was very helpful and full of encouraging advice

[@seciviremmanuel9673]

Thank you for sharing and really insightful!!🙌🙌🙏

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

You're so welcome!

[@palearsova2768]

Great idea. I have already try it and its work like a magic. I like to ask for how long we can start our circle time at this way, and what is next 😊? Thank you ❤

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

So glad it's working! You can start slowly adding a bit more if you feel they are ready. We are now singing our good morning song and doing a short activity. Then we have a second circle time that is music and movement. I like to break the 2 circle times up. I will be publishing another video this weekend (9/30) that will show apple theme circle time ideas, and I talk a bit about where we are at right now.

[@GraceLozana]

.I really love ur strategies and I learn a lot..thank u

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

Thank you! I'm so glad you are finding them helpful!

[@katiejones3599]

Where did you purchase the whiteboard on wheels? I love how short it is so that you can use it while sitting down with the children. Thank you!

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

@@katiejones3599 - Amazon. Here’s an affiliate link: amzn.to/4cQHseF

[@jigishazinzuvadia8188]

Please share some Demo video from first for nursery demo class

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

@@jigishazinzuvadia8188 - Check out my first day videos. 😊

[@xinqi8244]

Thanks for sharing these ideas ❤

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

You are so welcome!

[@totarhaze7031]

Big thanks for you ... great amazing teacher

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

❤

[@SalemTwosClassroom]

This is so helpful! Curious if you ever do things like days of the week, calendar and discussion of the weather in your circle times?

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

Thank you! We have 2 circle times - one is for our good morning song, book, and activity and the other one is for music. I do not do calendar time/days of the week/weather with these young children.

[@DetroitKid313]

I needed this thx for teaching me

[@Playing_with_a_Purpose]

Agree simple is best!

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

Took me awhile to learn this!

[@FormulaFan-8382]

you are so beautiful

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

Thank you so much!!

[@namboggajackline4156]

Successful, thanks so much

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

Glad you liked it! ❤

[@mewarikapakyntein1335]

Thank you🙏🏼...This has been very helpful and useful tips.

[@senuperera9166]

This was so good ❤️ thank you so much ❤️

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

So glad it was helpful!

[@joselynjcjourney]

Thank you so much for sharing ideas

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

You're welcome!

[@reginanoelkurts2347]

We use a carpet that has letters.❤

[@snowdriftwood]

Great video! Thanks!

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

Thank you for watching!

[@Godslillamb]

I am the lead infant teacher but lately we have had a lot of young one year olds in my room. I’m supposed to train them to eat at the table (it is about 8 inches off the ground and has little chairs for kids) and the kids want to climb on the table. I have no idea how to convince them to sit in a circle for circle time. Any tips are appreciated.

[@allthebooks1788]

Hi I was wondering if you had another video on what your second circle time might look like? Love your videos!

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

There might be snippets in my videos from last year, but that circle time can be hard to document because I don’t show their faces - and since that circle time is so active, it’s hard to get any video without faces popping up! But basically I have a song selected from my Spotify playlist and maybe some instruments or scarves and we sing and dance. It’s not very long - 5 to 10 minutes. Or I will get out our rhythm sticks. Something musical.

[@thehappyhostess498]

Great ideas! Can you share where you got the colored floor mats?

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

Yep! Amazon: amzn.to/3s32Lr6

[@maribelalbino9140]

I love your videos. Where did you bought your carpet squares at? I like those, but I am having a hard time finding them. I found other ones I don’t really like. Thank you for the free props😊

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

I’m glad you like my videos! The carpet squares were purchased from Amazon: amzn.to/4hJ72VW

[@marissagarcia7428]

As a new teacher to this age group l

[@naloofaland7346]

Thank you for sharing this video! Will you please share from where you purchased the stools?

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

We got them at Michael's about 8 years ago, so I'm not sure if they are still available.

[@Tia_Eva]

Excelente!!!🎉❤😊

[@daniellewilliams5102]

I love getting placemats for my kids to sit on or dollar tree has little carpets.

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

We used placemats for years and they were great!

[@cheries2002]

Great video! Do you feel this will work for 18 months or do I need a different plan?

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

Since I have never taught younger than 24 months, I am not sure. I don't want to give advice without experience. You might want to look at my September videos to get a better idea of how we start out, as that will be closer to your age group.

[@HeatherJones-w5r]

What is the tune to the good morning song?

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

@@HeatherJones-w5r - Tune: If You’re Happy and You Know It”. Words are in this post: teaching2and3yearolds.com/toddler-circle-time/

[@LazyWitch11]

Our kids used our carpet squares as frisbees lol when we were learning how to manage our room lmao

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

Then they definitely aren't ready for them.

[@graceegbo798]

I really enjoyed your teaching method of teaching sample. How do I teach a child with a an Autism behavior?

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it! When our preschool has children on the spectrum, we work with the child's parents and Early Intervention to make sure they get what they need. There are a lot of good autism resources out there, including www.myautism.org/.

[@gobsmack10]

I have a question. So I am taking over a preschool class with one 18month child and the rest 2-3. They have a routine thats been in place for a year now. I understand that consistency is important but at what point can I introduce my own ideas without upsetting the balance too much? I am currently working with the teacher on how to slowly introduce me to the class so they become comfortable. Is it just a case of constant observation for when the time is right?

[@randomvideos1224]

thank you very much for sharing tips regarding circle time, it helps me a lot and I'm applying to my 2 to 3 years toddlers class.. I'm watching from Panggangan, Lanao, Pilar, Cebu # 6048...

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

I’m so glad the tips are helpful! ❤

[@efremchik]

Can you share thr link for the mats?

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

@@efremchik - Yes! Here you go: amzn.to/4fWQARe

[@karlaecklundecklund9088]

Do you have a copy of the songs you sang in this video?

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

The lyrics to my circle time songs are in this post: teaching2and3yearolds.com/toddler-circle-time/

[@ascensioncano3606]

Thank you so much for you video and knowledge. Please, can you tell me how to deal with children that argue when they are after the same book during the circle time????, and please, can you tell me what do i do while the kids are sitting on the carpet and one child stands up andd plays around the classroom instead of sitting down like everybody else?Thank you 💖🙏🙏

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

If one child wants a book that another child has, I will say something like, "You want the car book and David is looking at it. You can choose another book until David is finished with it." I might even say to David, "Amy would like to look at your book when you are finished." It really depends on how far along in the year we are and how much they understand about waiting. I make sure to keep an eye on when the child is done with their book so that the other child can get their turn. Almost always the other child has moved on and doesn't want it anymore, but I want to make sure to follow through. If a child doesn't want to participate in circle, they can go to the book area and look at a book. That's the choice from day #1. I might need my assistant's help with this so I can continue with circle time.

[@ascensioncano3606]

@@Teaching2and3YearOlds Thank you very much for giving me the answer to the questions that I was asking myself. You have been clear as water. Thanks from Italy 💖🙏

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

@@ascensioncano3606 - You're welcome! Happy to help!

[@lauricenasef4331]

Yes

[@sloth8632]

This is a great video, I’m glad to have stumbled upon your channel! I’m in a class with 2-5 yo and have been using your methods here to introduce a group time after lunch. I teach in New Zealand, so the teaching conditions are a bit different to what I have been researching to the US. I have scaled back what I bring out as you’ve suggested and have a small box of their favourite finger puppets and magnetic stories. The welcome song is for everyone’s name and we go through our guidelines for the room, with the main emphasis being on our inside voices as we have some children sleeping in the room next to us. It works really well, especially as the children have the option of sitting at it and know if they don’t want too, they need to remember to play quietly. Do you have any recommendations of music, as I’m going to plan a music and movement group time that is more spontaneous with scarves, bean bags and sticks.

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

I bet they love the finger puppets and stories! I have these music and movement resources: teaching2and3yearolds.com/category/music-and-movement/ and in this video I talk about music and movement in the classroom: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fIjTgXmXlLSSfZI. Enjoy your year!

[@stefaniespag208]

My kiddos are 3.5 and they just sit on their bottoms. Or classroom in Soo small, and the circle time rug is too small for mats. My group does pretty darn well sitting in close quarters wherever they can find room, but I love the idea of stools bc we still struggle with "she's touching meeee" "he's to closeee" . Do you have a link

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

We got them from Michael’s about 10 years ago and when I searched online recently, I no longer found them. Maybe somehow I just missed them so you could take another look. They are so sturdy! But I will say that they are not space savers. We usually wait to use them until the children are in the 3s class, so then there are 16 children. If we want to place them around the edge of our circle time carpet, they are pretty much right beside each other. But perhaps you will have more space if you let them children place them anywhere in your circle time area. They also take up more space than mats for storage. We stack them against the wall. Just things I want to point out since I once had a small classroom and understand the frustration.

[@JesusSanchez-mq4kg]

Thank you !!

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

You're welcome! I hope the tips are helpful!

[@oneidaho]

Hi Sheryl, I am a toddler teacher in a Montessori classroom. We don't have sitting mats, I am trying to for the center to get some but it seems that they won't get any mats. What are other alternatives to help them sit? I have up to 24 toddlers ages from 18 months to 3 yrs. old. This is my first year with a toddler class, I use to teach in a preschool classroom.

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

It sounds like your only option is no mats, if I am reading this correctly. If so, invite them to come to the circle and sit where they want. I’ve actually done this at times and it can work (although I prefer mats). Just be prepared that they might want to keep moving around. The group I didn’t use mats with was much smaller than yours (under 10 children) so I am honestly not sure how this would look with a group your size. Some teachers prefer no mats and allow their children to move freely during circle. There are many ways to handle this - I’m just sharing what has worked best for me and my groups of children.

[@lauraaliciagonzalezvilla410]

which material you use for the carpet squares?

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

We use these carpet squares (affiliate link): amzn.to/3WKfEDG

[@edumacation4583]

Curiosity has me, is there a specific site or place where the mats can be purchased?

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

Amazon! amzn.to/49YJ44h

[@rafacosta7380]

Sensacional essa pedagoga

[@kimdaley9149]

What about for 4 year olds or Pre-K?

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

I don’t teach those ages, so hopefully you can find a channel that does and covers this. 🙂

[@angelacarr1209]

When I was in press k I sat in a cube chair. They are lower and easier for young children to sit in

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

We use those with students in early intervention and they are very helpful!

[@sadafshafaat8113]

How can we use these props in circle time.

[@benjorivera2158]

I love it❤❤❤

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

Thank you! ❤

[@claudettebaldwin9888]

I teach Early Head Start, so I have children aged 0-3 in my room. I'm going to try the mats and book basket at the beginning of this year. I know the children younger than two years won't be able to sit more then three seconds, should I have them go get a book from the library or just go play with the toys? I have a classroom of 8 children and a co teacher. Just an insight on my room make-up of ages.

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

I haven’t taught children under 2, so I can’t speak from personal experience. Is their normal routine to play with toys while the older children are in circle time? If so, then they wouldn’t need to look at a book as a transition to circle, since circle isn’t part of their routine. However, I love the idea of them joining you if they are interested. You could always give it a try and if it doesn’t work out, stop.

[@shonb5548]

That’s interesting that you have a mixed age group in your classroom. I’m an Early Head Teacher and we have the older 2 year olds in our classroom.

[@claudettebaldwin9888]

@@shonb5548 yes, our management decided three years ago that doing a continuity of care model with 8 weeks to 36 months would be a great way to meet family needs. This also allows children on the wait-list to be placed in any classroom instead of having to wait for the age appropriate room (infant/toddler/two). I do understand because our area is struggling for staff and helping the working families. I also know how hard it is to have 8 children of a wide age range in one room.

[@shonb5548]

@@claudettebaldwin9888 yes we do continuity of care as well. Thank you for explaining why your program made the decision to mix the ages. May you have a great school year 🙂

[@emilylinstrom1058]

Question- do you change up the board books in the basket for the children every couple of weeks or how do you choose those books?

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

I change the books when I change my theme - and that’s usually every 2 weeks. Many of the books are theme-related, although I will put other favorites in the basket, too.

[@emilylinstrom1058]

Ok wonderful. Thank you!

[@Twozerofived]

thank you :)

[@christineczyryca5820]

I also go over a visual schedule so they know the day's events for the day

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

Yes! Visuals can be very helpful!

[@amandas633]

❤ nice

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

Thank you! ❤️

[@emilohumtsoe9177]

Whats a circle time and how can i give a demo on circle time? 😭

[@evelynopoku7657]

Please how I start in classroom

[@anaibanez6208]

Thank you so much!

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

You're welcome!

[@human_rights_activist]

We want a video on how to teach a child to hold a pen easily.

[@BartlettKimberley-k7b]

Barton Street

[@ariellewine2798]

Do you know that how to get attention from my kids and make them be active.😢

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

Start with very short circle times and provide activities that get them engaged, just as I talk about in this video. Don’t add more until you feel they are ready. Sometimes our circle times at the start of year only include our good morning song. And that’s okay. Music in my opinion works the best.

[@missramireztr]

Why the book?

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

Inviting the children to get and look at a book at the start of circle has made an incredible difference with our transitions to circle time. They know just what to do and I'm not just asking them to come and sit, which can be a challenge for 2 year olds. Plus, it gives them another opportunity to learn how to hold books, turn pages, and notice the text on the pages. In my opinion, lots of benefits.

[@charlenesteward195]

Honestly, circle time is waaayy overated. Everything does not need to be whole group. Especially first thing in the morning😖. Who wants to be in a meeting as soon as they get to work EVERYDAY??

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

That's why we don't meet first thing in the morning. I love that my students can arrive and choose where they want to be, why I start our morning with an hour of free choice centers time. 😊

[@NYCWendy1]

I do my circle after arrival after table toys and in between am snack

[@yilaniphumeza]

They sit on a mat

[@SalemTwosClassroom]

This is so helpful! Curious if you ever do things like days of the week, calendar and discussion of the weather in your circle times?

[@Godslillamb]

I am the lead infant teacher but lately we have had a lot of young one year olds in my room. I’m supposed to train them to eat at the table (it is about 8 inches off the ground and has little chairs for kids) and the kids want to climb on the table. I have no idea how to convince them to sit in a circle for circle time. Any tips are appreciated.

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

Since I have never taught that age group, I wouldn't be the best person to ask. We do have some young 2 year olds who have a hard time sitting at the snack table at the start of the year, but we stay close and redirect them back to the table when they start to leave. But, mine are a year older than yours, so that makes a big difference. Perhaps you can ask in my free Facebook group: facebook.com/groups/349498425589921. There are a lot of teachers of one year olds over there. Same with circle time. I don't want to give advice with an age group I haven't had experience with, but I can at least suggest keeping the circle times very short.