Circle Time

Most nurseries use circle time as a means of bringing the children together in a group to share experiences and learning with each other. It is an effective way of encouraging social skills and co-operation and can be used to develop skills across the early years curriculum. There are six chapters, each covering one of SCAA's areas of learning for under-fives. These are language and literacy, mathematics, personal and social development, knowledge and understanding of the world, physical development and creative development. The activities are child-centred, building on the children's own interests. Six photocopiable activity sheets provide extension and reinforcement ideas. The introduction to the book includes information for the practitioner on areas such as safety, using adult helpers, observation and assessment and making links with home.