I teach in a high needs environment. In my classroom, I have a huge mix of ability levels and ages from 3 to 5 years old. Some of my kiddos have SPED services, speech, OT, etc. Circle time routines was a huge consideration for me this year and I put a lot of thought into it. If anyone else is struggling with how to keep them engaged when you have a diverse level of needs, you are not alone!
I knew we would need lots of movement and excitement but, we also have the curriculum and read alouds to consider. Keeping that in mind, I also knew that they would need consistency and routine. These kiddos need to know what to expect and what is coming next. It makes them feel like they are safe and in control. That is a lot to consider... a lot. For just 15 minutes of my day...
Here's what I came up with.
1. Hello Song (Welcome activity). We did the same one for several weeks so that it was routine. Then, I integrated a couple more and now we sometimes mix it up. I started with Clap A Name from the Mighty Minutes in Creative Curriculum. Hickety Pickety Bumblebee or any good morning song would work. I display their names and point to them as we go. Super important for name recognition skills.
2. Focus Wall. I have my focus wall tailored to the needs of my kiddos. I have some that are three and still working on number recognition, alphabet and colors. However, I also have five year olds that will be headed to Kindergarten. They are working on sight words and more complex skills such as building sentences and writing. My wall has to be pretty diverse to meet those needs. This is the part where I also do songs and the calendar.
3. Movement. After the sitting for about five minutes, they NEED movement. Every day I pick a different activity or song. Right now they are really into "Turkey Hunt" since we are coming up on Thanksgiving. They also love Simon Says, Freeze Dance and The Floor is Lava.
4. Book. After the movement, we do a few deep breaths together and get ready to read our book for the day. Sometimes it is from the curriculum, other times it is a choice of mine.
5. Second Step. We use this as a school but, I don't usually get to it every day. Since I have half day, I only get one short circle time with each group. Second Step usually happens a few times a week. If you don't know what this is, it is an SEL curriculum. This would be a good time to do an SEL or team building activity if you don't use something like Second Step.
6. Curriculum Activity and Question of the Day. This is the time that I quickly do my curriculum activity and question of the day. We usually try to make this as interesting and involved as possible because by this time they are ready to play!
7. Centers. I introduce the centers, goals for the day, and send them on their way!
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