Circle Back to Circle Time

Breathing New Life into a Classroom Tradition 

Ah, circle time—those magical moments in primary classrooms where we sit together, eagerly sharing stories, building connections, and learning to be confident in our own skin. It’s a safe space, where nothing matters outside of your teacher and your classmates. It's a treasured ritual, an educational staple, and yet—let’s face it—circle time can sometimes feel… predictable. But what if it didn't have to be? 

As educators, we know circle time isn't just a routine; it's the heartbeat of classroom community building. It's when we gently set the mood for the day, tackle any tricky little issues popping up among friends, and help children grow their social and emotional skills. But like any well-loved tradition, if we approach it the same way year after year, it risks becoming stale. Predictable circle times can dull children's curiosity, turning excitement into restlessness. For many of us it's time we breathed some fresh air into this beloved practice. 

A good friend of mine who is a teacher in Brisbane, relayed to me that she had begun noticing a concerning rise in fidgeting, yawning, and, frankly, disengagement among her pupils during circle time. Recognising this, she decided to shake things up. Instead of always leading discussions herself, she started encouraging her class to take charge—sharing their own stories, creating interactive role-plays, and embracing more play-based learning. Almost immediately circle time sessions became vibrant again; students' communication skills blossomed, participation surged, and classroom energy lifted dramatically. It wasn't just about making circle time fun—it was about making it effective. 

Research backs this up. Recent studies highlight that the best circle time practices balance teacher-led activities with genuine opportunities for children to voice their own thoughts and feelings. One fascinating piece of research from Montessori environments found that overly structured circle times—packed with activities like calendar drills or repetitive vocabulary lessons—didn't resonate well with young children. Instead, shorter, interactive, and playful sessions yielded much higher engagement. 

Another compelling piece of research, conducted in 2022 by Roding and  Mustafa, observed significant improvements in children's language skills when traditional circle time was infused with storytelling, imaginative play, and lots of child-centred dialogue. These changes didn't just make circle time more enjoyable—they significantly boosted children's ability to communicate and engage meaningfully with peers and teachers. 

So how can we, as creative and dedicated educators, bring similar magic into our own classrooms? First, it's crucial to invite children into the conversation genuinely. By carefully listening to what children have to say, we give value to their voices, boosting their confidence and helping them feel a sense of belonging. Second, storytelling shouldn't just be an occasional treat—it should become the foundation of circle time. Stories that resonate with children's own experiences and emotions build empathy, deepen engagement, and make learning memorable. 

Next, children love movement, so why not include playful activities, songs, dances, and even the occasional game to engage their energetic bodies and minds? Incorporating props, visual aids, and interactive elements also creates richer, more tangible connections to abstract concepts, helping children better grasp and retain learning points. 

Flexibility is another essential ingredient. Rigid routines can become boring, so occasionally switching seating arrangements or even letting children choose their places can inject novelty and respect their personal comfort. Variety keeps things fresh, fostering an atmosphere of joyful anticipation rather than predictable routine. 

Fortunately, the Switch4Schools app can be very helpful in rejuvenating this classic classroom ritual. Packed full of engaging and proven circle time activities, interactive games, storytelling prompts, and musical adventures, the app helps you effortlessly plan and execute circle times that truly captivate students.  

Ultimately, rethinking circle time isn't about throwing tradition out of the window. Instead, it's about daring to challenge the status quo to create richer, more engaging learning experiences for the children in our care. Embracing change doesn't undermine our teaching—it strengthens it, making circle time a powerful cornerstone of each day.