- Blog By
Ms. Shreya Gopal
Content Writer
The Indian Public School
September 3, 2020 | In Blog 
“The life of a man is a self-evolving circle.” ~ R.W. Emerson
The above quote enlists the ultimate truth to which we, as life’s beings, should be prepared. To begin with, this philosophy of life needs to be installed in one’s mind right from one’s young age, right from the time one begins to explore, admire and learn about one’s surroundings and actions. So why not teach kids about the circle of life and events in a circle?
TIPS Kindergarten supports circle time by including it in their curriculum, further making it accessible to each and every little bud thriving to grasp as much knowledge as possible to be clued in about everything.
WHAT AND WHEN IS CIRCLE TIME?
“Circle time circles every student in a circle to share, understand and learn various activities, words, rhymes and also have fun and growth.”
Circle time/group time refers to the activity of children being seated in a circle along with their teacher/facilitator to sing rhymes, play an instrument, listen to a story, discuss current news, share fingerplays and participate in various relaxing movements and exhilarating games.
You may wonder why kids are seated in a circular shape and the answer to that ponderous question is that it facilitates equal vision for all children. Adding to this benefit, kids can also get a clear view of their teacher/facilitator when seated in a circular shape and vice versa.
“Sense of equality must be sown right from the time a person begins to sprout.”
Teachers use circle time not on fixed clock strokes but at convenient times. Some hold it to kick-start their work period, while a few others use it as their work day’s closing activities. Apart from these, several others combine circle time in their work period as part of explaining certain class lessons like basic manners, etc.
WHY DO KIDS NEED CIRCLE TIME?
By sitting in a circle, kids get equal opportunities to express and engage in various communicative, demonstrative and vivacious activities. This will further enhance their skills and the urge to participate in several tasks. Attention span, listening and interpreting abilities, and communication skills will all improve, along with their grasping power. Furthermore, kindergarten children get exposed to an effective space that teaches them the art of self-discipline, sense of responsibility, self-esteem, soft-skills development and conflict resolution. By addressing issues on an equal forum (circle time), kids tend to understand the concept of democratic discussions and the principles of positive social interactions.
Children tend to understand the effect of their behaviour on others, thereby developing an effective and progressive relationship with other kids and their teacher. Emotional intelligence and problem-solving skills are also added to the circle time benefits cart.
CIRCLE TIME IN TIPS KG
While Montessori includes discussion on current news, weather and other fun activities like reading a book and singing songs, Waldorf school program involves music and movement in circle time. Besides, kids also practise math and enhance their speech and acting through exercises which refine their skills and abilities.
However, KG in The Indian Public School follows circle time by mixing both these approaches. Our young kindergarten Tipsians in Erode, Salem and Trichy enjoy their circle time through various activities like storytelling, finger rhymes, singalongs, music, passing the bean bags, Simon says (helps kids listen, observe and concentrate), etc. Tips KG facilitators use effective materials to enhance the kids’ engagement during circle time.
On the whole, circle time at TIPS Kindergarten involves music, discussions and physical activities with lateral movements, which establishes a fun-filled environment for sensory experiences, auditory memory and socialisation in kids.
“Let circle time encircle your kids’ life with positive thoughts and progressive skills.”
Confused in Engaging your kids at home? Read https://theindianpublicschool.org/confused-in-engaging-you-kids/
