Circle sessions in Year 4
Why circle sessions?
Having a 'main content' as part of the process it can be linked into an activity that you already have planned for the week - in maths , literacy , reflection, sharing home learning, phonics, tuning into inquiry. ... whatever you choose.
It provides great opportunities for children to be themselves, talk about how they feel, engage in worthwhile and relevant activities which are directly linked to their current learning. It supports the quieter, more reticent speakers in class to participate in a structured and supportive routine.
Circle time can help develop communication skills by...
promoting ...
self confidence
interest in others
opportunity to interact
motivation to interact
taking turns
thinking carefully about what to say before saying it
paying attention to what's being said
learning about others
developing skills in...
focusing
speaking
listening
conversation,
attention
I chose this particular class in Year 4 to implement circle time sessions as we have quite a number of children whose social and emotional literacy skills are currently a barrier to their learning. I wanted to encourage them to participate in a whole class speaking session using routine and a structured format.
It gives the children a safe place to discuss thoughts, feelings, thoughts and ideas openly.
The children really seem to like the format and routine - they all have a different favourite part of the session and the time literally flies by!
I would strongly recommend it as part of your week!
It provides great opportunities for children to be themselves, talk about how they feel, engage in worthwhile and relevant activities which are directly linked to their current learning. It supports the quieter, more reticent speakers in class to participate in a structured and supportive routine.
Circle time can help develop communication skills by...
promoting ...
self confidence
interest in others
opportunity to interact
motivation to interact
taking turns
thinking carefully about what to say before saying it
paying attention to what's being said
learning about others
developing skills in...
focusing
speaking
listening
conversation,
attention
I chose this particular class in Year 4 to implement circle time sessions as we have quite a number of children whose social and emotional literacy skills are currently a barrier to their learning. I wanted to encourage them to participate in a whole class speaking session using routine and a structured format.
It gives the children a safe place to discuss thoughts, feelings, thoughts and ideas openly.
The children really seem to like the format and routine - they all have a different favourite part of the session and the time literally flies by!
I would strongly recommend it as part of your week!
Talking Stick
This was the first thing we did. Before starting circle time with Year 4 the children brought things from home to decorate our very own talking stick. This was a collaborative effort and there was no pressure for every child to add something. They brought in buttons and ribbons, feathers and beads , favourite pencils and stickers, even shells. We had great fun making it and it all added to the anticipation of starting circle time ... the children were very excited.
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Check in
We set up our essential agreements for circle time - whole body listening, being respectful to others etc
We started off with a check in of How do you feel today and why? "I feel..."
Other check ins I've used are
Within the first few minutes of very first session I found out some interesting information from the children as to how they were feeling on that day - very insightful... and all before 8.45 a.m.
We started off with a check in of How do you feel today and why? "I feel..."
Other check ins I've used are
- "I feel happy/sad/angry/frustrated when..."
- Turn to person next to you and tell them something you like about them . ( The aim being to progress this from the initial ' I like your hair/eyes etc to something more meaningful 'I like the way you....)
Within the first few minutes of very first session I found out some interesting information from the children as to how they were feeling on that day - very insightful... and all before 8.45 a.m.
The mixer
A simple grouping activity that quickly gets the children into groups and they are always seem accepting of the partner they have teamed up with .
Content
Any paired / small group activity that you have planned for the week.
De-brief
A quick reflection on the main activity.
Energiser
The children love this - it gets them moving and its short, snappy and lots of fun. It gets everyone involved. The yellow book of games and energisers is a great resource for quick ideas.
Check out
A short task for sharing, question or reflection on the session
Students' reflections on Circle Time
Circle time Year 4 Small from Bill Garnett on Vimeo.