Have the children sit down in a circle on the floor as they are dropped off in the morning. When a majority of the students have arrived, start singing a welcome song that allows each child to have the spotlight briefly. For example, a song to the tune of "Where is Thumbkin" prompts each child to stand up when her name is called. The song goes, "Where is Kelly, Where is Kelly? there she is, there she is. How are you today Kelly?" The child would then respond, "Very well I thank you!" Everyone then sings, "Sit right, sit right down." The song goes on until each child has had a turn to stand up and participate.
Sing interactive songs that reinforce the morning routines that parents are trying to teach at home. For instance, you could sing, "This is the Way", sung to the tune of "Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush," using simple morning items the children might do in the morning. The song goes, "This is the way we brush our teeth, brush our teeth, brush our teeth, this the way we brush our teeth, so early in the morning." Have the children do the motions of brushing their teeth as they are singing the song. Repeat brushing hair, making bed, and putting on clothes.
High energy activities during circle time will help get their energy out for calmer, sit-down lessons and activities. One simple activity you can do is "freeze dance." Play music and have the children dance and jump around. When you stop the music they must freeze, then continue when the music continues. Another activity you could play is "animal corners." Give the students a choice between three or four different animals, but they must not reveal which one they selected. When you call out "go," they must act like that animal to find other people that chose the same animal. When a group thinks they have everyone in their group they must sit down in one corner of the room. You can play this game with colors and shapes as well.
Play low-energy activities at the end of the morning routine to get the students calmed down for the rest of the day. One activity to get the children back to their seats after circle time is to have them act something out as they are walking back to their seat. Write out random descriptions on index cards such as, "walk sadly," "kangaroo hop" and "tail wagging." Place the cards in a hat and have the children pick out the card. Help the children read the card and watch the class giggle as they do the description to their seat. You could also send the children to their seats based on favorite colors, shapes, or what they are wearing. This will help reinforce these lessons they have been learning in preschool.