WHAT IS CIRCLE

TIME
IS A TIME FOR LISTENING, DEVELOPING ATTENTION CCOMMUNICATION AND
LEARNING SKILLS LIKE TURN TAKING, SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL SKILLS,
POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS..BUILDING A SUPPORTIVE GROUP, SHARING
THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS, WORKING TOGETHER FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE
GROUP.. ETC..
HOW TO MAKE A CIRCLE TIME
MAKE GROUND RULES

- Emotional safety
• No criticism
• No Mockery of anyone
• Teacher’s control
GOOD COMMUNICATION

• If anyone does not wants to speak say pass – Circle time offers the opportunity to ‘pass’ one’s turn. This
indicates that it does not implement any kind of forced communication and sets up a comfortable space
for expressing oneself.
• Emotional safety – Circle time is a guided and supervised activity in a familiar environment which
makes it easier to express one’s emotions in a safe environment.
• Not to let down anyone – Circle time enables development of skills like paying attention to what others
say, taking turns to speak, respecting other people’s opinions, thus, creating a healthy and supportive
environment.
• At the end who did not speak, give a second chance – Circle time involves and encourages participation
of all and offers a second chance to anyone who did not speak during the activity earlier.
• Not to name anyone in a negative way – Circle time focuses on the development of positive qualities of
an individual. It involves active avoidance of naming any participant in a negative way.
HOW TO KEEP DISCIPLINE IN CIRCLE TIME

• Motivation by praise – Praise acts as a type of positive reinforcement. It enables the participant to follow
the right behaviour during the activities.
• Keeping ground rules – The ground rules involve a set of guidelines and instructions which inform the
participants about their conduct during the activities of circle time. These are essential for maintaining
discipline in circle time.
• Teacher is a facilitator – The activities of circle time are guided and supervised by the teacher who plays
the role of a facilitator in circle time. Teachers have the responsibility of maintaining disciple during the
activities.
• Safe climate – When proper discipline is maintained in the circle time, a safe climate is created for the
participants.
• A warning card – In case of any indiscipline the teacher may issue a warning card to a participant which
acts as a sign to the participant to follow the rules of circle time.
KEEP IT GOING

• Include warmup games – These provide a good start to the circle time activities as everyone gets
an opportunity to make themselves comfortable and open up to others.
• Accept any contribution, thank for it – Circle time activities have an open approach as these
welcome ideas and feedback of the participants and appreciate their contribution.
• Use an object for a round – This make the activities more interesting and impactful. Sharing or
passing on objects also helps in creating positive bonds and good interpersonal relationships.
• Do not interrupt – The natural flow of the circle time activities must be allowed. Interruptions
may break the flow and create disturbances.
• Evaluate regularly – Regular evaluation of the activities opens the door to further improvement
for the participants.
STRUCTURE OF CIRCLE TIME

1. Introductory phase
• Generate a sense of group – This can be done through easy, warm up games, sharing
activities, or talking about the commonalities among the participants.
• Encourage them to value and respect each other – Complimenting positive behaviour in
circle time activities can teach the participants about valuing and respecting each other.
• Create the need for positive eye contact – It boosts confidence and maintains the attention
of all the participants during the activity.
STRUCTURE OF CIRCLE TIME

2. Round
• Use an object – It makes the activities more impactful. Sharing of objects can also create
positive bonds among the participants and improve interpersonal relationships.
• Right to speak and be heard – Circle time activities provide a platform for the participants
to express there thoughts and be heard by others.
• Stop the circle.. You say I don’t like when.... – It creates a free and safe environment for
the participants wherein they may express their views which vary of differ from that of
others.
CLOSING PHASE

• Good humour – Using good humour during the activities keeps the session lively and
interesting. It keeps the environment light and stress free.
• Thank you to the one who spoke less – It instils a spirit of participation by all students.
Appreciating the ones to spoke less boosts their confidence and increases their chances of
participation in the future.
• Thank you