Do you need ideas for making your circle time more fun and engaging for your preschoolers? Using the right circle time props and tools is the secret to having a more successful circle time in your preschool or pre-k classroom. Here are some of my favorite props and tools to help make your preschool circle time the best it can be.
Collection of Circle Time Props for the Classroom
Everybody knows that songs and stories are what circle time is all about – but how do you know which songs and stories to choose? Don’t worry, I’ve done all the hard work for you! Here are my teacher approved song lists and my book lists – use both of these resources to help create the perfect circle time!
While books and music are the meat and potatoes of circle time, there are other critical ingredients you’ll need for creating a successful circle time recipe.
Many teachers just like you struggle with circle time, here are some of their most popular questions about circle time:
- What if they won’t come to circle time?
- How do you get them to listen to a story?
- What if they’re too wiggly?
- How do you get them to pay attention?
- What if they’re constantly interrupting?
If any of these questions sound familiar, then you’re in the right place! These props and tools will help you up level your circle time game so your students can be more successful.
Circle Time Prop Ideas
Karaoke Microphone – A Bluetooth karaoke microphone is a real circle time game changer! If you think a microphone is just for singing, think again – you can use the voice changing feature to make your voice sound completely different. Play music or sounds from your phone directly through the microphone – you can even play your favorite songs from YouTube. If you want to take your circle time game into the 21st Century, this one is for you!
Pocket Chart – A pocket chart can be used in many different ways in the classroom. You can use your pocket chart to play fun games, read poems, create charts and more.
Finger Pointers – Want to grab your student’s attention quickly? Use a fun finger pointer – no fancy technology necessary. A good old-fashioned pointer still does the trick!
Mystery Bag – A Mystery Bag is one of my favorite circle time props. Mystery bags can help build excitement and interest about the books you read during circle time. Watch this video where I demo using the mystery bag.
Beanbags – You can use beanbags for movement songs or as fidgets during circle time.
Scarves – Encourage whole body movements to accompany music with these colorful scarves.
Circle Time Props and Tools
Class Puppet -If you really want to capture your student’s attention then a Class Puppet is the way to go. Your puppet can help you introduce a story, remind students of rules, and encourage participation. A class puppet is a must-have in every early childhood classroom! Watch this video to see me using a puppet in a demo lesson.
Felt Stories – A flannel board is an important part of any high-quality early childhood program. Felt Stories make excellent visuals to increase students engagement during circle time, and they also help your students develop important retelling skills. Watch this demo that shows you how to use a flannel board.
Pocket Chart – Using a Pocket Chart to hold your daily picture schedule is the secret to creating a consistent routine in the classroom. Watch me demo how to use the picture schedule in a pocket chart.
Answer Buzzers – Buzzers can add a playful element to your circle time while increasing student engagement and participation. Program your answer buzzers with your own phrases or cheers to really spice up your circle time and make it fun!
Magic Wand – You can use a Magic Wand to draw student’s attention to a big book or chart. But you don’t have to break the bank, I’ve found these types of wands at the dollar store before.
Circle Time Tools and Props
Sit Spots – Do your students need help remembering to stay in their own personal space during circle time? You can quickly and easily create (and change) personal spaces on the carpet for each child in your class with Sit Spots. These only stick to industrial carpet, not the fancy carpets from the school supply stores – so be sure to test them out on your carpet before taking the plunge.
Wiggle Sensory Cushions – If you have students who wiggle excessively and just can’t seem to stay in their spot, then you might like Wiggle Sensory Cushions. These sturdy, inflatable cushions are super helpful in certain situations for specific students.
Rhythm Sticks are not old fashioned! Did you know that using rhythm sticks actually supports the development of early literacy skills?
Dance Ribbons can help you spice up your music and movement activities during circle time. Invite your students to twirl the ribbons to encourage whole body movements.