by Karin Becton

Created on: May 21, 2009   Last Updated: May 24, 2009

How to Keep Preschoolers Quiet at Circle Time

Keeping preschoolers quiet at circle time is a little bit like herding cats-next to impossible, but if you are ever able to achieve it, you can be very proud!

I have been a preschool teacher for several years, and this is one of the biggest challenges. Here are some ideas that have worked for me!

Keep things moving. Dead air space is a preschool teacher's worst enemy, because, believe me, if you aren't talking or singing, the kids will take over. Plan out what you are going to do, and have all of your materials and supplies within arms' reach. If something you have planned isn't really working, ditch it and go on to the next. Flexibility is key! Vary what you do. We have a routine we begin with (calendar, weather, letter of the week, etc.) but then we mix up what we do after that. Alternate story telling and book reading with songs and finger plays. Learn songs that teach concepts such as counting, alphabet, days of the week and colors. Rather than me always reading a book to them, sometimes I use books on CD, and turn the pages at the appropriate times. Sometimes we act out the Bible stories using props. Keeping things interesting and fun means the children are less likely to entertain themselves!

Look for positive behavior to reinforce. "I like the way Jill is listening to our story" goes a lot farther than "Logan, this is the third time I've told you to sit down!" Children at this age are usually eager to please adults and will respond to positive statements. They want to hear their names called; give them opportunities to hear it when they are behaving the way you want! Use puppets or stuffed animals. I have a puppet I call Ricky Raccoon. Ricky is very "shy" and doesn't like loud noises, so he gets very frightened and hides when the children are noisy. He only comes out when it is quiet and calm in our room. (He lives in his own little silver trash can.) This worked so well with one class that they were "shushing" each other so Ricky would come out of his trash can!

Use visual aids. When I get out the flannel board, I instantly have everyone's attention. Whether I use it to retell a story or book we have read, or use it to teach concepts such as colors or numbers, kids love having something they can see and even hold in their hands. You can purchase flannel board sets or make your own. Even the simplest ones are effective! Don't just talk about your unit or theme; bring items to show the children! If you

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>