Successful Circle Time Teaching Techniques

 Children love to actively participate and interact at group times. At times I will personally narrate what will happen and model for them how you wish for them to participate, if that is what the activity calls for. Being animated and excited about what is being taught comes in many forms. Not all circle times will feel loud with everyone rolling in belly laughter. I mean, let's be real, there can be just as much fun and excitement in learning in a quiet atmosphere as there is in a noisy one. Here are some tips of the trade to keep in mind.

Circle Time Teaching 
Techniques for Teachers:
*Keep the circle time VERY visual and interactive
(Talking puppets kids can touch, large picture books, flannel stories, etc.)
*The children are your dashboard, when they are fidgety and bored-start to end your circle time.
*TRY to have enough supplies for all the children if possible, unless the activity specifically calls for otherwise. Sharing supplies and waiting for turns work best in small groups rather than large ones.
* Speak clearly and in a peasant joyful tone to the children-look them in the eyes and encourage questions.
*Enthusiasm is your first, middle and last name! And smile and make it fun for yourself as well!

“Don't limit a child to your own learning, for he was born in another time.”
-Rabbinical Saying