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 were to introduce the concept of gathering on the rug after cleaning up from classroom play. After putting the toys away, the morahs start singing
(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. As each day goes by we notice that the children begin to come on their own after cleaning up and also are figuring out how to arrange themselves at the edge on the rug instead of sitting in the middle.
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. By now the children have begun to sing along!
Our repertoire 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?!"
Then we pretend to go to sleep so we can wake up and sing Modeh Ani as our morning tefilah (prayer).
We then do the motions for ritual hand-washing - don't forget to splash!
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. Yay!"
Sometimes we introduce props at circle time like puppets and instruments. One time we brought out our soft stuffed Torahs and sang Torah songs.
We like to expand our Kitah Alef class family by joining together with the neighboring class for circle time.
Just as we began our routine with a clear starting point, we end with clarity as well.
"Circle time is over now,
over now, over now,
Circle time is over now,
Let's wash our hands for snack!" (Insert next actiticty)
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 summer continues.
