Preschool Circle Time Area Set-Up

[@PreKPagesvideos]

Here are the resources mentioned in this episode 👇🏼 💠 Teacher Success Bundle: pre-kpag.es/TEACHER-SUCCESS Includes: ✨Daily picture schedule ✨Class helpers ✨Class Rules ✨Center Choice Board 💠Linear Calendar: pre-kpag.es/LINEAR-CALENDAR 💠Alphabet Posters: pre-kpag.es/ABC-POSTERS 💠Circle Time Training: teachingtrailblazers.com/lp/w... 💠Owl Puppet: pre-kpag.es/OWL-PUPPET 💠Circle Time Starter Kit: pre-kpag.es/CIRCLE-TIME-KIT 💠Galvanized Oil Drip Tray: pre-kpag.es/OIL-DRIP-TRAY 💠Focus Wall Info: pre-kpag.es/FOCUS-WALLS 💠Pointers pictured are from Target Bullseye Playground a few years ago.

[@WhiffleWaffles]

I've definitely been seeing how the traditional calendar for 3 and 4 year olds doesn't work too well. While it's nice to review these concepts, it's such a time sucker and I end up breezing through it to get to essential learning and skills. If I'm still in PreK next contract year, I'm 100% using linear calendar if I can find the wall space.

[@charlenesteward195]

I have so embraced this concept to teaching lately! You are so right ; "less is more" and I love it. I really enjoy my classroom so much more now. And I have been using much more lifelike and natural visuals everywhere in my room. Thank you for liberating me from the old mentality of traditonally teaching at circle time. It really is antiquated and inappropriate.

[@PreKPagesvideos]

Wonderful! Thanks for watching!

[@denicerheeder2193]

It’s funny watching these preschool videos seeing only maybe 5 or 6 kids. I have 19!!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣 thank you for your advice. I’m enjoying these videos

[@PreKPagesvideos]

Thanks for watching!

[@carmencollins2392]

I know what you mean, I have 24.

[@denicerheeder2193]

@@carmencollins2392 And we wouldn’t trade them for anything ❤️

[@susanasolano8229]

Haha….I have 36 😅

[@denicerheeder2193]

@@susanasolano8229 all at once????

[@debbiem5173]

Hi Vanessa, thank you for your videos, I've learned so much for you. This will be my third year teaching 3yr old preschool. I'd like to switch to a linear calendar. What are your thoughts on the linear calendars that only display one week at a time?

[@PreKPagesvideos]

I think it's fine, especially for 3 year olds. I prefer to use the longer version to in PK4 to show the growth of the number line over time and count how many more days until... Thanks for watching!

[@michellemcdaniel5608]

Hi! Great video! I have am in need of your classroom rules. They are just what I need for my classroom for the variety of children that I have. I know that they are sold in a bundle but I don't need the bundle and this time of year I really need to watch my spending as I have to purchase so much on my own as it is. Do you happen to just sell the poster on it's own anywhere? I took so many notes from this video and plan on incorporating things a little at a time. We start after Labor Day so I still have a few weeks but we meet the children on September first so I need to have my classroom done before that. I did have some things "incorrect" on my board at circle time and I'm in the process of changing them now. I'd love to add the classroom rule chart if possible and then I'm going to do the attendance check in too. Oh and a puppet - my theme is sloths so we are going to make our own sloth puppet since I have so many we are just going to empty one out and put him/her (haven't decided yet on a name) in a tree which is in my circle time area.

[@PreKPagesvideos]

We sell products individually on TPT, you can find the rules here: www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Rules-Routines-Positive-Behavior-Management-624549 Thanks for watching!

[@MissVickyArt]

Thank you ❤

[@PreKPagesvideos]

You're welcome 😊

[@user-tw6wr6xl7z]

Hi Vanessa. Great resources, as usual. Did you remodel your classroom? It looks like the circle time wall and the shelf underneath is different. The green behind the choices and helpers, what is it? Lastly, is there something behind the rules besides the whited board I see? I know I said lastly, but what size dry-erase board do you use in your classroom currently?

[@PreKPagesvideos]

I should have used the hashtag #miniclassroom on the screen, this is my classroom dollhouse. It's my hobby to create dollhouse rooms such as this one, it's not for children to play with. I did re-do my real circle time area, but I haven't taken pictures just yet - stay tuned for the big reveal!

[@user-tw6wr6xl7z]

@@PreKPagesvideos ohhhh. I see. Ok

[@user-tw6wr6xl7z]

@@PreKPagesvideos it looks real. I love it💜

[@amyfrancis9423]

Hi Vanessa! Great information as always! Do you use chart paper at all during circle time? I have a great magnetic dry erase board that I use for chart paper too. I hang the charts around the room as environmental print and theme-related info. However, my stand takes up too much room in small space. What type of stand would you use for chart paper in small spaces? Thanks.

[@PreKPagesvideos]

I have, I used to use it for our daily message. However, I switched to doing the message on our interactive whiteboard the last few years I was in my classroom.

[@charlenesteward195]

I too have pulled away from forcing my kiddos into centers nd allowing them more autonomy in every way. Which is why I also do not do assigned seating either🙂

[@KimAmstutz-tp7fh]

Where can I find the pictures for songs on sticks?

[@PreKPagesvideos]

Thanks for watching! I don't sell those, but it's a great idea.

[@angelakalmer1852]

I teach 2 year olds. I try to keep circle time short (less than 5 min). I have one child that can't sit still to save their life! I've tried the song with their name when they're sitting down doing what you asked them to. This child smiles, then they're up again. They won't stay seated during snack. They take their snack all over the room when I've told them a million times "snack stays on the table", "we don't walk around with our snack". What can I do?

[@PreKPagesvideos]

Honestly, I don't believe circle time for 2 year-olds is appropriate or necessary. Reading them a story is appropriate, but expecting them to sit and listen is not. They've only been on this planet for 24 months and are new to group experiences.

[@lorettamuhammad5753]

Hi, what if they all want to go to the same center? lol

[@PreKPagesvideos]

I have a centers playlist here: kzbin.info/aero/PLe9qinZzQncmmS6gVEDDorMxS-l0VKaUA&si=k4RPAwXeKnRSar07 I talk about student choice in many of them. I also have a blog post on this topic: www.pre-kpages.com/how-to-manage-free-choice-learning-centers-in-preschool/