Set Up Your Circle Time Display |

Setting up your Circle Time display is an exciting opportunity to create an engaging learning environment for your preschoolers. Using the materials from the Getting Started Kit and the monthly Circle Time Bag, you can easily refresh your display each month to align with new themes and activities. Whether you’re using a wall, bulletin board, or a portable tri-fold board, positioning the display at the children’s level encourages interaction and participation during large group time. This guide will walk you through the process of setting up your Circle Time display, ensuring it becomes a vibrant and integral part of your classroom routine.

Where do you find your Circle Time Display materials?

Use materials from your Getting Started Kit and monthly Circle Time bag to set up your Circle Time display. The Getting Started kit includes some basics you will use all year long. The Circle Time Bag will include the Circle Time display materials specific to the monthly theme. Each month, collect new pieces for your Circle Time Display.

How do I set up Circle Time and classroom displays? from Experience Curriculum

This helpful diagram shows where to find each piece can be found in the Getting Started Guide.

Choosing the Right Location for Your Display

Choosing the right location for your Circle Time display is crucial for creating an effective and engaging learning environment. Ideally, set up the display in an area where children can comfortably gather for large group time, such as on a wall, bulletin board, or a cardboard tri-fold board that can be attached to the wall. This space should be easily accessible and visible to all children in the group, ensuring everyone can participate and engage with the materials.

Since Circle Time displays are intended to be interactive, hanging them at a child’s eye level is important. This allows children to interact with the display independently, fostering a sense of ownership and involvement in the learning process. Additionally, consider the durability of the materials—while they are printed on sturdy cardstock, children will be handling these items frequently, so laminating them can help extend their lifespan. A well-chosen location enhances your display’s functionality and makes it a focal point in your classroom, drawing children in and encouraging them to explore and learn together.

Using a Tri-Fold Board for Your Display

A 48″ x 36″ trifold is commonly used. You can purchase a colored board, paint it, or cover it with adhesive paper or bulletin board paper for a decorative touch. Why do educators choose to use a tri-fold board for circle time? Tri-fold boards are portable, making it convenient to take learning outdoors or to a different part of your room. It also eliminates taping or pinning resources to the wall, which can be damaging.

Preschool September Circle Time Display Experience Curriculum

Alternatives for Displaying Circle Time Materials

If a tri-fold board isn’t the best fit for your space or needs, alternatives for displaying your Circle Time materials can be just as effective. One simple option is to attach the display pieces directly to the wall using masking tape or adhesive hook-and-loop fasteners. This method allows for flexibility in arranging and rearranging the materials, making it easy to adapt the display as needed.

You can also utilize a corner of the room to create a dedicated Circle Time area or take advantage of existing features like bulletin boards, which provide a ready-made surface for organizing your materials. Dry-erase or magnetic boards are another versatile choice, offering the added benefit of being able to write notes or add magnetic pieces alongside your display. These alternatives can help you create a dynamic and interactive space for Circle Time tailored to the layout and needs of your classroom.

📚 READ How to Host Circle Time and 3 Quick Tips to a Successful Circle Time

Experience Preschool Circle Time Display Components

The Getting Started kit includes the basics for setting up your Circle Time displays, including:

A Weather Station
Title Cards
Monthly Calendar Labels
Feelings Pockets
Alphabet Strip

Getting Started Bag Circle Time materails from Experience Curriculum

The Circle Time Bag will include the Circle Time display materials specific to the monthly theme, including:

Calendar Grid & Numbers
Shape & Color Poster
Forest Friends Poster
Alphabet & Number Cards
Math Manipulatives

monthly Circle Time Bag materials from Experience Preschool

Calendar

A calendar grid and numbers are included each month. The number cards create a pattern with colors and pictures. Encourage children to help add numbers to the calendar each day, count the numbers and guess the pattern. Calendar Headers can be found in your Getting Started Kit or on Member Resources. The days of the week are listed in English and Spanish.

Weather Station

Sing the weather song and observe the weather each day. A helper turns the spinners on the weather station to indicate the day’s weather.

Theme Poster

A Theme Poster features many concepts and daily topics the children will be learning about throughout the month. Use the poster to introduce vocabulary, talk about shapes and colors, and look for pictures with the I Spy Glasses.

Daily Topic Poster

Each lesson includes a Daily Topic Poster to introduce the children to the new lesson. The posters feature real photos of people, animals, and things. Show the Daily Topic Poster and use the Experience Preschool Teacher Guide prompts to encourage children to share what they know and wonder.

Forest Friends Character Trait

Display the character trait card and Forest Friend puppet on the Forest Friends log. The character trait card provides a simple description of the trait that can be reviewed during Circle Time activities or throughout the day.

Letter Cards

Each month includes three letter cards. If desired, the weekly vocabulary cards can be displayed one letter at a time as they are introduced.

Number Cards

Two number cards are included each month. Introduce one at a time or put up both at the beginning of the month. The number cards include Spanish words.

Alphabet Strip

The Alphabet Strip is included in the Getting Started Kit. It’s fun to sing the ABC song while using a pointer to point to the letters. Or ask a child to search for a letter with an I Spy Glass.

Shape & Color Poster

Each month, a new color and shape are introduced. The poster includes familiar items for the color and a large shape. It also includes the Spanish words for the color and shape of the month.

Forest Friends Character Trait Poster

Display the character trait of the month poster and discuss its meaning. Refer to it throughout the month when you see this trait in action.

Feelings Check-In

Invite preschoolers to think about how they feel and check in with a craft stick with their name or photo on it. Check-in at arrival, during circle time, or throughout the day. It’s flexible, so you’re welcome to use it how it works best for you.

Tips for Using Circle Time Displays in Preschool

Here are some additional tips for using the Circle Time displays effectively:

Incorporate the Display Throughout the Day

Don’t limit your use of the Circle Time display to just large group time. Refer back to the materials throughout the day during different activities. For example, use the weather station when transitioning to outdoor play or revisit the calendar when discussing upcoming events. This helps reinforce learning and makes the display an integral part of the daily routine.

Encourage Hands-On Interaction

Allow children to touch and use the materials on the display. Whether it’s moving the weather spinners, placing numbers on the calendar, or pointing out letters on the alphabet strip, hands-on interaction helps solidify concepts and makes learning more engaging. This also encourages children to take an active role in their learning process.

Rotate Responsibilities

Assign specific roles to children, such as being the calendar helper or weather watcher for the day. This makes Circle Time more interactive and promotes responsibility and leadership skills. Rotating these roles ensures that every child has the opportunity to participate and feel involved.

Personalize the Display

Consider adding elements that reflect your group’s unique interests or experiences. For instance, if the children are particularly excited about a certain theme or character trait, find ways to highlight those elements more prominently. Personalization helps make the display more meaningful and relatable for the children.

Use Visual and Auditory Cues

Pair the visual elements of your Circle Time display with songs, chants, or movements. For example, sing the alphabet song while pointing to the letters on the alphabet strip or have children act out the weather as they move the weather spinner. These multisensory experiences can enhance memory retention and make learning more fun.

Adapt to Different Learning Styles

Recognize that children learn in different ways—some are visual learners, while others may benefit more from tactile or auditory experiences. Use the Circle Time display to cater to these varying learning styles by offering different ways to interact with the materials, such as tracing letters, counting aloud, or describing pictures.

Regularly Update and Refresh

Keep the Circle Time display fresh by regularly updating it with new materials from the monthly Circle Time Bag. This keeps the content relevant and exciting for the children, encouraging ongoing interest and engagement. Review previous months’ materials periodically to reinforce learning and make connections between themes.

Create a Sense of Routine

Consistently using the Circle Time display as part of your daily routine helps children know what to expect and provides a comforting structure to their day. This sense of routine can be especially beneficial for young children, helping them feel secure and focused as they transition between activities.