Ep. 64: Preschool Circle Time Tips for Engagement, Structure, and Special Education Success

Preschool circle time doesn’t have to be chaos! 🎶 In this episode, we share simple strategies to keep little learners engaged, structured, and having fun—while meeting every student where they are. 🌟

🎧 Key Takeaways
• Purpose of Circle Time: Sets the tone for the day, offering structure and fun through songs, weather checks, and IEP skill practice. Adaptations are key to meeting the students where they are! 🌞
• Four Pillars of a Balanced Circle Time:
     1. Physical Movement: Gross or fine motor activities to keep kids engaged 🏃‍♂️
     2. Sensory Engagement: Incorporate sight, sound, and touch 🌈
     3. Social Interaction: Encourage greetings, peer interactions, and communication 🤝
     4. Cognitive Development: Incorporate pre-academic tasks like counting and identifying letters 🔤
• Circle Time Duration: Tailor it to your learners’ needs, generally 10-15 minutes for preschool, with shorter increments for younger or less-attentive children ⏱️
• Handling Refusals: Modify circle time to include small groupings, alternate activities, and sensory breaks for students who need it 🙋‍♂️
• Make It Fun: Use creative methods like sticker rewards, visual aids, and fun songs to maintain engagement and make learning enjoyable 🎶✨

🧰 Resources & Links
• Ideas for circle time songs: Simple, fun tunes like "Jack Hartmann" songs to keep kids engaged and interactive 🎵
• Visual aids: Use yes/no boards, weather charts, and name cards to boost participation and social skills 📊 Check out these circle time resources!
• Alternative activities: Quiet corner activities like puzzles for students who need a break 🧩 Try these calm corner visuals:
• Related Episodes: Misfit Minute #9 A fun circle time activity and Episode #18 Behavior Management Basics 

🤝 Join Us
      💬 Let us know your favorite data collection tip in the Misfit Behaviors Facebook Group
      🌟 Subscribe: Don’t miss upcoming episodes on practical strategies and must-have resources for behavior support!
      📢 Share this episode with a teacher, BCBA, or administrator looking for fresh approaches to special education and behavior analysis!
      💬 Let us know what YOU wanna talk about in our Facebook group  

Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists

😍 More, you say? We’re here for you!

• Apple podcast | The Misfit Behaviorists
• Instagram | @‌themisfitbehaviorists
• YouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists

👋 Find us!

• Audra | ABA in School
• Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics
• Sami | B.A.S.S.

🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!