Step into a world where circle time becomes the most magical and meaningful part of your day! Join Ashley for this hands-on, interactive session, where you’ll explore the art of designing engaging and effective mini-lessons tailored to the unique needs of your Pre-K learners. With a focus on research-based best practices and aligned with early learning standards, this session will equip you with practical strategies to:
- Keep mini-lessons short and sweet while packing in powerful learning with research-based strategies that are fun, engaging, and effective for your youngest learners.
- Infuse your lessons with movement, hands-on materials, and playful learning that holds young learners’ attention.
- Simplify planning with consistent routines and clear learning targets, taking the stress out of your circle time preparation.
You’ll leave feeling empowered and equipped to design short, purposeful mini-lessons that captivate little learners while hitting those big learning targets. By blending research-based practices with a touch of joy and creativity, you’ll walk away with everything you need to make circle time the heartbeat of your Pre-K classroom.
Focus and Attention:
Remains focused on teacher-led group activities for 10–15 minutes.
Remains focused on teacher-led group activities for up to 20 minutes.
Rules and Routines:
Follows simple rules and routines with adult assistance.
Follows classroom rules and routines with occasional reminders.
Music and Rhythm:
Actively participates in music activities such as singing, playing instruments, and moving to rhythms.
Hyson, M. (2008). Enthusiastic and Engaged Learners: Approaches to Learning in the Early Childhood Classroom.
Copple, C., & Bredekamp, S. (2020). Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs Serving Children from Birth through Age 8 (4th Edition).
Epstein, A. S. (2021). Essentials of Active Learning in Preschool: Getting to Know the HighScope Curriculum (2nd Edition).