Circle Time Sharing
To develop listening skills and group belonging through structured circle time sharing.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Personal, Social & Emotional
- Learning area: Personal, Social and Emotional Development
- Level: EYFS 2-3
Objectives
- Waits for turn to speak
- Listens to others
- Shares personal information
- Respects talking object rules
Materials
- Talking stick or toy
- Comfortable circle space
- Visual rules
- Listening ears display
Instructions
ESTABLISHING RULES: 'When you hold the talking teddy, it's YOUR turn to talk. Everyone else listens. When teddy is passed to you, it's YOUR special turn.' Keep rules simple.
STARTING SMALL: Begin with simple prompts: 'Tell us your favourite animal' or 'What did you have for breakfast?' Low-pressure topics build confidence before deeper sharing.
MODELLING LISTENING: Show active listening: lean forward, make eye contact, respond: 'Thank you for telling us, Elena! You like cats! I know something else about cats...'
RESPECTING CHOICE: Some children won't want to speak. That's fine: 'It's okay to pass. You can just hold teddy for a moment and pass him on. You might want to talk another day.'