Preschool circle time is traditionally used as a moment in the morning for the teacher to gain control of her classroom and get all of the students doing the same thing at the same time. Circle, however, may also be used as a community time. Anytime there is a problem that needs to be taken care of, it can happen in circle. For instance, if a child has hurt another child's feelings or if there is a class-wide behavior issue that needs discussing, bring the students together for a community circle. Teach them that while they are in the circle, respectful behavior is required, including good listening and talking skills.
Gather your students in their circle area prior to leaving class for lunch or outdoor play. Choose an object that the students can see from their circle area and let the students ask questions to deduce what you have spied. Encourage them to ask questions about color, texture, size, shape and location. Require them to use their words, rather than pointing or touching the object. This is a good way to inspire critical thinking and to gather students together prior to moving onto an activity in another area.
Use flashcards that have colors, letters, numbers, shapes or whatever your students are learning at the time to play a fun circle game that helps get the wiggles out. Mix in a few cards that show a picture of a jellybean. Tell students to sit in their circle area and start to show them the cards, letting them call out what is on them. When you get to a card with a jellybean, all the students stand and start to jump until you tell them to stop. Continue with the flashcards until the next jump-up card comes around.
Give your students a special place to sit during circle time by helping them to make their very own wiggle bottoms. Provide each student with two full sheets of newspaper folded into a square. Let them paint the paper as they wish. Write each child's name on their square, or paste on a small picture of each. Once the paint is dry, laminate the squares with packing tape on both sides. If you don't have a designated circle time area, students can keep their wiggle bottoms at their desks and bring them to the circle area to sit on. Having a designated sitting spot helps teach wiggly children boundaries.