Circle Time - Tips & Tricks of the Trade
While you probably have your routine down pat, we recently ran across these lovely "directions" {as she calls them} from Debbie at Rainbows Within Reach that may just help you breathe some new life into your classroom circle and music time. Whether new to the game or a seasoned classroom 'performer', there's always room to shake things up a bit! Here's a sneak peek at a few of our favorite tips...
Rituals & Recipes
We love Debbie's suggestion to move into circle time using the same song or rhyme each day. In this way, the transition becomes familiar, builds excitement, and allows 'instant participation' {i.e. your kiddos already know the song and are good at it because they do it every day}. Much as they identify with the theme music of their favorite television show, creating a circle time "ritual", complete with welcome song, fingerplay, or rhyme, will help to draw your students in and create the illusion of a special experience, separate from the rest of the day.
Close Your Eyes, Surprise!
Did you know that something as simple as having your kiddos close their eyes can ignite new creativity and imagination during circle time? Try it and you'll be amazed at the results! With their hands placed over their eyes, invite your kinders to conjure the characters, setting, sounds, smells, and sights of the tune. {You might even consider having your students write about the vivid pictures they imagined in a journal prompt or short story!}
For these and many more fantastic tips and tricks of the {circle time/performing} trade, be sure to visit Debbie's blog, Rainbows Within Reach!
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