Circle Time: Sing, Rhyme, and Play in ENGLISH: A One-Time Preschool Class

"Play is one of the most important ways in which young children gain essential knowledge and skills." ~UNICEF, 2018

WHAT IS CIRCLE TIME?
Circle Time is a common preschool classroom activity that develops skills and relationships at the same time. Through a routine of singing together, stretching, going over the calendar, and sharing books and favorite toys — in English — the teacher and learners all get to know and trust each other. Being relaxed and comfortable lowers barriers to learning — such as anxiety and boredom — and opens the mind to take in new information and skills. 

WHAT IS A SING, RHYME, AND PLAY CIRCLE TIME?
During a Sing, Rhyme, and Play Circle Time, Ms. Christina — a caring, ukulele-playing, native English-speaker — guides learners through the development of new skills* in English. With a maximum of 4 learners, each child gets individual attention and speaking time. Learners gain confidence and fluency over time — and they have so much fun, they don't even realize they're learning!

SCHEDULE
Note: Class lasts 30 minutes for 4-5 learners; class will end a few minutes earlier for 1-2 learners.
> INTRO MUSIC
> NAMES
> WARM-UP WITH MOVEMENT
> DAY OF THE WEEK AND DATE
> FEATURE SONG
> BOOK
> GAME
> SHOW AND TELL

*SKILLS DEVELOPED
> Language and Literacy Skills - Phonological awareness, vocabulary, letter identification, phonics, manual dexterity (for book handling)
> Numeracy Skills - Number identification, ordinal numbers, sequencing, counting forwards and backwards
> Social Skills - Listening, patience, taking turns, empathy
> Cognitive Skills - Problem solving, searching, making choices, positive association with reading and learning

WHAT IF MY CHILD IS SHY OR RELUCTANT?
Listening is learning! Some of my very best learners were too shy to participate at first. It is okay for your child just to listen until they get used to the class. Keep your child in the room where they can hear my voice and give them something for their hands, like coloring or building with blocks. Before long, they will likely hear something that interests them and start participating all on their own.

MODEL THE BEHAVIOR YOU WANT TO SEE
One way to help your child relax is to participate alongside them, just off-camera. Let them see you following the motions, repeating the words, and having a good time. 

PREPARE
Another good way to prepare for class is by watching the educational videos on my YouTube channel together with your child:
www.youtube.com/singrhymeandplaywithmschristina. 
On the channel, your learner can become familiar with me, my style, and what to expect in class.

NOTE ON MUSIC
I strive to provide a welcoming and loving environment for all learners in my class. Therefore, I research the history and origins of all the songs I use in my classes and don't use any I find to have hidden or harmful messaging, associations, or history. My own original songs are written with diversity, inclusion, and love for all children in mind.

TEACHING METHOD
You'll notice I cap all of my classes at 5 learners — this way I can see all of the learners' screens at all times and they can all see each other for maximum group engagement. I also keep the class focused on my face, voice, and physical visual aids such as flannel pieces, magnetic cutouts, and books. Studies show kids in their formative years learn best through face-to-face interaction, so I don't use slides or virtual graphics that render my screen small and make the other learners' screens disappear. Learning in my class is centered on human-to-human connection, which creates a deeper, more permanent learning experience.

GIVE IT A TRY!
There is no commitment beyond this one-time class. If your child enjoys it, there are many ongoing class options for you to choose from!