Circle Time: Creating a Whole Group Space in Your Classroom

Circle Time is a sacred tradition at Little Light House. Our students gather around the carpet each morning to connect and engage!  

Classroom spaces specifically designed for whole-group or small-group instruction can create a sense of community and belonging and bring students together for valuable social interaction. Group times can include circle time, morning meeting, snack or mealtime, gross motor activities, therapy groups, music and worship time, leveled learning small groups, and more. 

Group time is crucial in creating a positive learning environment and community within your classroom. Feeling connected and valued in a learning environment is important to student success. Students who don’t feel a sense of community and belonging are less likely to learn and be motivated to put effort into their school day (Kriete and Davis, 2017). Feelings of connectedness and relationship can be created through meaningful group activities where students all have an opportunity to participate and are encouraged to create connections.

Keep these details in mind when creating group spaces in your classroom. It is important to ensure each student feels included by having their own designated space so that they can see what they need. This can include the whiteboard, the teacher, their classmates, a TV or interactive whiteboard,  learning materials posted on the wall, or anything else relevant to their learning during group time.

Remember to clearly define the physical boundaries of the space. Use a large rug with enough space for everyone to be included, tape on the floor, furniture, room dividers, curtains, or whatever you have that can be used to create a boundary.

Use these questions to guide you when setting up areas for group time activities:

1. What physical boundary defines this space (rug, tape, furniture, dividers, etc.)?
2. Is seating available, or will students sit on the floor?
3. If students sit on the floor, how do they know where to sit (shapes on a rug, sit spots, shapes taped on the floor, etc.)?
4. Does each student have a space?
5. Can everyone see what they need to see (teacher, board, interactive TV, etc.)
6. Are necessary physical adaptations available?
7. Are students seated near another individual that may cause sensory overstimulation?
8. Is there space for assistants or classroom volunteers to be included?