Like a popular saying goes, ‘most things look good in a circle’! More so, when it is little children.
Right? But that’s not the only reason Circle Time is considered to be an effective teaching & learning methodology in a classroom.
A Circle Time is a time and place where children feel safe to
- express themselves,
- explore,
- learn,
- and grow in a caring community.
And for the teacher, it is a way she can make eye contact with every child, have stimulating
conversations with each child and ensure social and emotional safety of every child.
Presenting...#smallBIGidea - 13
| WHAT YOU CAN DO |
| Make it a routine: Children respond better when some thing so fun and creative becomes a routine. So, you could start a day with a 10 minute Circle Time with the children. Slowly but steadily, you will even the most shy children opening up. |
| Bring in the fun element: Add a liberal dose of fun into your Circle Time. Make cards that say “I have something to say..” and pass it around so children open up. |
| Make it an interactive experience: Ensure every child is given an opportunity to share and express themselves. Use strategies like having a “talking stick” ensure equal participation. |
| Use it to present new ideas or discuss problems: When in a circle and and when you have their attention, introduce new topics for the day’s lessons or discuss a problem. This would be a perfect way to bring in brainstorming practices and conversations. |
| Be a PART of it: Not inside or outside. When the children see that you, the teacher, is a part of them in the circle, it opens up their mind. They slowly let go of inhibitions and are more participative. |
Pedagogic “Why” for this #SmallBIGidea:
1. Circle Time is a useful intervention strategy because it can help to develop pupils’ social skills, improves self-esteem*
2. Use of Circle Time helps children develop more positive relationships with one another and brings in a feeling of emotional safety and a sense of belonging in the classroom.**
3. It helps children practice self-regulations by taking turns listening and speaking and also learn skills of positive communication.
4. Circle Time gives the child a space to express their thoughts and feelings without judgement.
5. Circle time facilitates development in all the domains
In a nutshell, an effective Circle Time is a child’s safe haven. It will provide a spark in imaginations, and a place to reflect what has been learned. Most of all, circle time makes learning fun and inviting.
Supporting Research Articles:
• *Glazzard, Jonathan. (2016). The Value of Circle Time as an Intervention Strategy. Journal of Educational and Developmental Psychology. 6. 207-215. 10.5539/jedp.v6n2p207.
• **Curry, Mollie. (2003). Providing Emotional Support Through Circle‐time: A Case Study. Support for Learning. 12. 126 -
129. 10.1111/1467-9604.00030.
What are #smallBIGideas?
Presenting, some #SmallBigIdeas that can transform Formative Education in your schools. They are seemingly small but definitely impactful. Because, all you would need is an open mind and a willing heart.
What: One #smallBIGidea a week - just 1-minute reading time.
How: #smallBIGidea sent to your email ID with link to a one-page document that explains the pedagogy and the steps to implement it.
It is these simple ideas that can go on to bring a radical transformation. In your school. For the child.
