Quick answer
Use lesson plan kits to structure circle time by following the ready-made activities, adapting them to your group's size and interests, and avoiding common pitfalls like over-scripting or skipping the DVD demonstration.
Why lesson plan kits work for circle time
Circle time thrives on routine and novelty. Lesson plan kits provide a predictable structure while introducing fresh themes—like a nature walk or a grocery store visit—that keep children curious. The included DVD offers a visual anchor that helps children understand the activity before they participate.
One trade-off: kits are designed for general use, so you may need to adjust the pacing or props to match your classroom's energy level. For example, a longer lesson might need to be split across two circle times for younger groups.
Steps for using lesson plan kits in circle time
- Preview the kit before circle time: Watch the DVD and read the lesson plan to understand the flow. Identify which parts are best for circle time (e.g., a short video clip, a group discussion question) and which are for later centers or outdoor play. Common mistake: jumping straight into the activity without previewing, which can lead to awkward pauses or mismatched pacing.
- Set up the circle time space with visual cues: Place props or images from the kit (e.g., a toy grocery basket for the grocery store lesson) in the circle area. Arrange seating so every child can see the DVD screen or your demonstration. Checkpoint: if children are distracted by the props, remove them until after the DVD segment to keep focus on the group discussion.
- Use the DVD as a shared experience: Play a short segment (2-3 minutes) from the DVD to introduce the theme. Pause to ask open-ended questions like “What do you think we’ll see on our nature walk?” This builds anticipation and vocabulary. Common mistake: playing the entire DVD without pausing, which turns circle time into passive viewing instead of interactive learning.
- Lead a hands-on activity from the lesson plan: Choose one simple activity from the plan—such as sorting pretend groceries or identifying leaves from the nature walk DVD. Keep it to 5-7 minutes to match circle time attention spans. Checkpoint: if the activity runs long, save the rest for small-group time rather than rushing through it.
- Wrap up with a transition cue: Use a song or a signal from the kit (e.g., a nature walk chant) to end circle time. Briefly remind children what they’ll do next, like going to the science table to explore leaves. Common mistake: ending abruptly without a transition, which can lead to confusion and loss of the theme's momentum.
Product facts
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The Nature Walk Lesson Plan & DVD Set: The Nature Walk Lesson Plan & DVD Set includes a comprehensive lesson plan to help structure a nature walk activity and a DVD to enhance learning. You can use the DVD to show children what to look for on a walk before heading outside, making circle time a preview rather than a lecture.
The Nature Walk Lesson Plan & DVD Set
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The Grocery Store Lesson Plan & DVD Set: The Grocery Store Lesson Plan & DVD Set offers a structured approach to exploring the grocery store theme in the classroom, with a lesson plan and DVD. The grocery store theme turns dramatic play into a learning opportunity—children can practice sorting, counting, and social roles during circle time.
The Grocery Store Lesson Plan & DVD Set
