Providing appropriate seating/positioning options can allow students to learn more effectively.
These circle time ideas can go a long way toward supporting kids who struggle with sitting still, attending, transitioning, and more!
Try some of these calming techniques and transition strategies to help kids make a smooth transition to circle time. Use timers to count down to the transition and let kids bring a transition object or toy with them to circle time to deposit in a designated place. Use visual schedules here too.
Leaving kids hanging while you get your supplies and songs organized and prepared is a sure way to kill the momentum of your circle time. Have these things ready ahead of time to eliminate waiting time.
Sometimes giving kids something to do with their hands can help lengthen their attention span for circle time. Try basic activities like stringing beads or placing pegs into a pegboard. Some of these reset activities would make perfect circle time activities too.
If a child struggles with staying at circle time, start by positioning her at a separate table or desk near the circle time area and have her complete one of the tasks described above (while circle time is going on) before being allowed to go and play elsewhere in the classroom. Gradually increase the amount of time spent at the desk engaging in the activities until the child is sitting for most of the circle time.
It may not look like it, but most often, the child will be picking up on a lot of the content that is being offered by the teacher at circle time (letter sounds, songs, etc.) just by being a bystander! Next, try moving the activities into the actual circle area, so the child is sitting in his/her seat but still has something to do with her hands.
Similar to the fine motor activities described above, fidget toys offer kids something to do with their hands while they’re listening and attending to circle time. If the student tends to throw objects, try fidget toys that can clip to his or her belt loop or zipper.
A simple visual schedule using pictures, photos, or icons can go a long way toward helping kids move through circle time activities. Create a simple visual format to show kids that they will work through a designated set of circle time activities.
Keeping a fairly consistent circle time routine can help keep negative behaviors to a minimum. When kids know what is coming next and how much longer an activity will last, they are often calmer and more willing to participate. This kind of predictability can be particularly helpful for kids with sensory concerns.
Try to incorporate movement as much as possible during circle time. Movement songs, movement breaks, and learning activities that allow kids to get up and move can help to decrease fidgeting and other behaviors. Even super quick, super simple breaks for movement (e.g. Everyone clap your hands as fast as you can! Everyone shake your your hands! Everyone tap your head/legs/shoulders/etc.) between circle time activities can help!
Alternative seating for the classroom can also be put to use during circle time. Different seating options can help provide support for kids who have decreased core strength, a bit of movement for kids who need to wiggle and fidget, or a boundary for kids who struggle with maintaining personal space or with having peers close to them. Options to consider:
These chairs are designed to give a little vestibular input and support. Try introducing them during free play so that the novelty of the cute rocking chair wears off before the kids actually have to use them appropriately during circle.
Weight provides proprioceptive input, which can be calming for wiggly kids.
By placing a ball inside a laundry basket, kids have the opportunity to bounce without the ball rolling away from under them and over the child next to them! Try to find a flexible basket that allows for some freedom of movement so that the child works her core a bit during this activity.
Typically used for the dreaded bleachers at a football game, stadium seats are also great for providing a little support for tiny bodies during floor sitting. They also give a sense of personal space.
A staple in many preschool classrooms, cube chairs provide just enough support while still letting the child be at the level of his peers.
Make friends with your custodian, grab a few milk crates, turn them upside down and put a cushion on top. Instant chair! And a great way to help define personal space for kids.
This is a convenient, go anywhere chair. The back provides just enough support for a wobbly core and the seat gives a sense of personal space.
For that super wiggly kid, try a body sock. The resistive fabric will provide awesome, calming proprioceptive input. What are your favorite seating ideas for circle time? Share them in the comments below! Looking for more circle time tips and strategies? Check these out!
Here are some tools and resources you can use in your classrooms to improve your students' positioning routines and practice a variety of positions for increased balance.
It is extremely important that the child's desk fits him/her appropriately. Follow these guidelines to figure out the best fit for your students.
