Circle Time in Pre-Kitah Alef

Welcome to circle time in Pre-Kitah Alef! Circle time is an important part of our daily routine. It is a time in the day when we gather together and unite as a group. Our goals for circle time in its initial stages are to familiarize the children with the transition from cleaning up the classroom to coming together in a circle on the rug. It is a special time for us to interact with our class family as a whole and to introduce new concepts.

 After the toys are put away, the morahs sing: 

(Tune of "London Bridge")

"Circle time is starting now, 

starting now, starting now, 

Circle time is starting now, 

on the rug"

 and motion the children to join them on the circular rug. 

Our routine begins with a simple but engaging greeting song. We sing "Hello, Everyone" and then greet each child by name.

(Tune of "Skip to My Lou")

"Hello, everyone, how are you?

Hello, everyone, how are you?

Hello, everyone, how are you?

How are you today?!"

We continue with well-loved songs such as "The Wheels on the Bus," "ABCs," "Alef Bet," and "Torah, Torah." For children this age it is important to keep to age-appropriate time frames for the most success. We keep our circle time short, about 5-7 minutes, and sing the same songs in the same order for consistency. Children feel safe and empowered with consistent routines. Soon we will expand our repertoire to include morning tefilah (prayer) with Modeh Ani, washing our hands, and Shema. 

Sometimes we introduce props at circle time like puppets,  instruments and soft Torahs.

For the upcoming holiday of Rosh Hashana, we brought out different types of shofars (ram's horns) to feel and blow.

We like to end our list of songs with a very special one. Conscious Discipline emphasizes the positive impact that an individual feels when part of a group. We unite by holding hands and singing our Kitah Alef class family song.

(Tune of "Mary Had a Little Lamb")

"We are a school family, family, family, 

We are a school family, here at IJP.

We are Kitah Alef, Alef, Alef,

We are Kitah Alef, say hi to a friend! (Hello! Hi!)

Morah's here to keep you safe, 

keep you safe, keep you safe,

Morah's here to keep you safe,

and your job is to help."

Just as we began our routine with a clear starting point, we end with clarity as well.

(Tune of "London Bridge")

"Circle time is over now, 

over now, over now,

Circle time is over now,

Let's wash our hands for lunch!" (or insert next activity)

Circle time is a wonderful way to promote routine, social connection, sensory experiences, music and rhythm, attention and focus, and Jewish values. We will continue to document our class's growth and change in this area as the year continues.