Circle Time Activities for Daycare
Preschool Group Activity Lesson Plan Resources
A review of circle time activity books for early childhood educators.
For early childhood educators, daycare providers, and preschool teachers, it is critical that your curriculum includes a variety of engaging circle time activities. Circle time is important for toddlers and preschool aged children because it helps develop speaking and listening skills, teaches cooperation, increases confidence, and raises self-esteem.
The Giant Encyclopedia of Circle Time and Group Activities for Children 3 to 6
The Giant Encyclopedia of Circle Time and Group Activities for Children 3 to 6: Over 600 Favorite Circle Time Activities Created by Teachers for Teachers by Kathy Charner [Gryphon House, 1996] supplies an outstanding and extensive resource for circle time activities with over 600 group activities for children ranging in ages from 3 to 6. The lesson plans come in a variety of categories such as seasons, numbers, or holidays. For each circle time activity, Charner provides a list of materials and detailed instructions. As a bonus, Charner includes helpful “More to Do” developmentally appropriate curriculum links and related age appropriate books for each activity. This book is a definite must-have for early childhood educators.
Circle Time for the Very Young
Another highly recommended circle time resource is Circle Time for the Very Young by Margaret Collins [Paul Chapman Educational Publishing, 2007] which focuses on eight Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) themes: Friends and Friendships, Growing and growing up, Keeping safe, Self esteem, Keeping healthy, Feelings and persuasion, Citizenship, and Loss, grief and separation. Collins’ provides a highly versatile manual that is very easy to use with different age groups. For each theme, there is a circle time plan for children in age group 3-5, and on the opposite page the same plan is modified for children ages 5-7, making it useful through the primary grades.
Best-Ever Circle Time Activities
Best –Ever Circle Time Activities by Ellen Booth Church [Teaching Resources, 2002] is a handy resource with simple, easy to implement, morning circle time activities. Church presents material lists along with the learning skills to be acquired (such as listening, receptive and expressive language, and following directions) and helpful tips and/or modifications for 50 month by month group activities. Church covers many areas of development such as language and literacy, music and movement, science and math.
Circle Time Activities: Grades PreK-K
With over 75 fun and educational circle time activities, Circle Time Activities [Evan-Moor Educational Publishers, 1998] is a superior resource for illustrated instructions and charming, handy cutouts. The book is notable for its social & emotional development activities, brilliant phonic activities, and fun language activities designed to encourage togetherness.
Whether you are a new or well seasoned educator, you can never have too many activity ideas. Consider adding one (or all) of these books to your library and reach for it when you need a fresh idea.
For more curriculum ideas, see Online Preschool Lesson Plans.
