What is Circle Time?
Circle time is a structured activity that typically takes place at the beginning of each day wonder time at TSWY Preschools. Children and teachers gather in a circle to greet each other, sing songs, share stories, and discuss the day ahead. Circle time is an important time for children to build relationships with each other and with their teachers, and to learn about the routines and expectations of the classroom.
What are the Benefits of Circle Time?
Circle time has many benefits for young children, including:
- Social-emotional development: Circle time helps children to develop important social-emotional skills such as sharing, listening, and turn-taking. It also helps children to learn how to manage their emotions and to interact with others in a positive way.
- Communication and listening skills: Circle time provides children with opportunities to practice their communication and listening skills. Children learn how to express themselves clearly and to listen attentively to others.
- Community and belonging: Circle time helps children to feel a sense of community and belonging. Children learn that they are part of a group and that their contributions are valued.
- Self-expression: Circle time provides children with opportunities to express themselves creatively. Children might sing songs, tell stories, or share their thoughts and ideas.
- Cognitive development: Circle time can also support children’s cognitive development. Children learn new vocabulary, concepts, and skills through circle time activities such as singing songs, playing games, and reading stories.
What is Wonder Time?
Wonder time is a time for children to explore their curiosity and creativity. It is a time for children to ask questions, experiment, and learn at their own pace. Wonder time activities might include science experiments, art projects, or building and construction activities.
What are the Benefits of Wonder Time?
Wonder time has many benefits for young children, including:
- Curiosity and exploration: Wonder time encourages children to be curious and to explore the world around them. Children learn how to ask questions and to investigate their surroundings.
- Problem-solving and critical thinking skills: Wonder time helps children to develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Children learn how to think creatively and to solve problems in new and innovative ways.
- Creativity and imagination: Wonder time promotes creativity and imagination. Children learn how to express themselves creatively and to imagine new possibilities.
- Self-confidence and independence: Wonder time helps children to develop self-confidence and independence. Children learn that they are capable of learning on their own and that their ideas are valuable.
- Fun and enrichment: Wonder time is a fun and enriching experience for children. Children learn through play and exploration.
How TSWY Preschools Implement Circle Time and Wonder Time
TSWY Preschools implement circle time and wonder time in a variety of ways. For example, circle time might begin with a greeting song, followed by a story, discussion, and activity. Wonder time might include science experiments, art projects, or building and construction activities.
TSWY Preschools also believe in the importance of integrating circle time and wonder time activities throughout the day. For example, teachers might lead a circle time discussion about the different types of flowers that children see in the garden during wonder time. Or, teachers might use wonder time activities to help children learn about the concepts that are being introduced in circle time.
Additional Benefits of Circle Time and Wonder Time
In addition to the benefits mentioned above, circle time and wonder time can also help children to:
- Develop a love of learning
- Increase their attention span
- Improve their self-regulation skills
- Learn how to follow directions
- Develop a sense of empathy
How Parents Can Support Circle Time and Wonder Time at Home
Parents can support circle time and wonder time at home by:
- Creating a time each day for children to explore their interests and to ask questions
- Providing children with a variety of materials and resources to choose from
- Encouraging children to share their ideas and to collaborate with others
- Celebrating children’s successes and accomplishments
Conclusion
Circle time and wonder time are two important components of the TSWY Preschools curriculum. These activities provide children with opportunities to develop important social-emotional, communication, cognitive, and creative skills. Circle time and wonder time also help children to feel a sense of community and belonging.
Circle time and wonder time are valuable activities that can help children to develop important social-emotional, communication, cognitive, and creative skills. TSWY Preschools is committed to providing children with opportunities to participate in these activities.
