The Khaitan School recently organized an enlightening circle time session for new pre-primary and primary teachers. This session aimed to familiarize educators with the concept of “Quality Circle Time” and its potential to foster a sense of belongingness, enhance social-emotional skills, and promote effective communication among students. Through interactive activities and discussions, the session highlighted the importance of a warm and inclusive environment, encouraging teachers to make the most of this valuable teaching tool.
Building Togetherness and Belongingness:
The circle time session commenced with a warm-up activity, such as a song, game, or clapping, to create an atmosphere of togetherness and a sense of belonging within the group. This initial ice-breaker helped establish a positive rapport among the teachers, setting the stage for effective collaboration and mutual support.
Fostering Social-Emotional Bonds:
Circle time serves as a powerful platform to build social-emotional bonds between students and their peers and teachers. It provides a safe and inclusive space where students can freely express themselves, fostering a sense of trust and acceptance. By encouraging open communication and active participation, circle time helps students develop self-confidence and self-esteem while honing their social-emotional skills.
Enhancing Communication Skills:
Effective communication is a vital skill for students to develop, and circle time offers an ideal setting for its cultivation. Through activities and discussions during these sessions, students are encouraged to actively listen, respect others’ opinions, and patiently wait for their turn to contribute. By modeling and promoting effective communication, teachers play a crucial role in guiding students towards becoming better listeners and speakers.
Incorporating Citizenship Issues:
Circle time serves as a democratic space where all responses are accepted and respected, making it an opportune platform to address important citizenship issues. By focusing on topics such as cleanliness, empathy, respect, and adaptability, teachers can instill essential values and promote responsible citizenship. In pre-primary classes, the introduction of a class buddy, such as a toy, can facilitate discussions on these issues in a relatable and engaging manner.
Non-Judgmental and Inclusive Environment:
It is crucial to understand that circle time should not be misconstrued as a platform where every child must speak or actively participate. Instead, it should be regarded as a non-judgmental and free space for children to express themselves in their own unique ways. By providing a nurturing environment that encourages individuality and respects each child’s contributions, teachers can create a positive and inclusive circle time experience.
Promoting Learning Skills:
Circle time can also be an effective avenue for introducing and reinforcing essential learning skills. By incorporating the golden rules of learning, such as thinking, looking, listening, speaking, and concentrating, into daily circle time activities, teachers can help students develop these fundamental skills. These skills lay the foundation for lifelong learning and support academic success.
Closure for a Meaningful Experience:
Just as a good beginning sets the tone for circle time, a meaningful closure is equally important. Teachers should ensure that each session concludes on a positive note, summarizing key takeaways and expressing appreciation for students’ contributions. This closure helps consolidate learning, reinforces the value of circle time, and leaves students with a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment.
The circle time session organized at The Khaitan School for new pre-primary and primary teachers emphasized the significance of quality circle time in building social-emotional bonds, enhancing communication skills, and promoting a positive classroom environment. By incorporating inclusive practices, addressing citizenship issues, and nurturing learning skills, teachers can harness the potential of circle time to create a holistic educational experience for students
