Inclusivity During Circle Time ​

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During circle time the ultimate goal is to have all students following directions and able to participate for the entire duration. However, children who have behavioral issues or developmental delays may not be developmentally ready to sit or listen for an extended period of time.     

Ways to make circle time more successful:

Appropriate Time Expectations

Increase or decrease the amount of time spent at circle time depending on the individual student’s needs. Some children may need to spend less time at group initially but gradually increases in the duration will allow them to acclimate to a full group time. There should be a quiet activity ready for them when it is their time to leave group early. 

Less Distractions

Reduce the amount of visual information that is displayed to students. Use poster or foam boards to display the calendar, and another to display the weather, etc. and only have one on display at a time. This will reduce distractions that may make it difficult for the student to attend to the current lesson. 

Make it Fun 

Keep the circle time interesting by including activities with movement or reading books in a silly voice. Holding a child’s interest will help them to learn more and enjoy circle time enough to want to come back.

Maintain Engagement

Make sure that all students are able to see you and the current activity clearly. Make periodic eye contact with each student to help with engagement.  

Be Prepared

If any students need any other special accommodations make sure that they are ready before group starts to avoid distractions and to give them the best opportunity to learn and feel engaged.

Course Navigation Menu

1. Course Agenda
​2. Inclusive Classroom?
3. Reverse-Mainstreaming​
4. Reverse-Mainstreaming​​ (1/7)
5. Everyone Benefits
6. Benefits of Inclusion (2/7)
7. Speech Delays

8. Developmental Delays
9. Hearing Loss
10. Physical Disabilities
11. More Inclusive​ (3/7)
12. Inclusive Education
13. Inclusive Education​​ (4/7)
14. Inclusivity During Circle Time ​ 

15. Teaching About Diversity
16. Picture Books About Inclusion
17. Our Classroom Book (5/7)
18. The Colors I am Inside​ (6/7)
19. End of Course Assessment (7/7)
20. End of Course Evaluation
21. Parking Lot