“The education of even a little child does not focus on preparing him for school, but for life.”— Maria Montessori
A Montessori-style Circle Time can be used to kick off the homeschool day or as a transition. This 10-to-30-minute session functions as an anchor point in your day, keeping your routine going and conversation about learning flourishing.
What is Circle Time, and how can you incorporate the mixture of routine, tradition, music, movement, conversation, collaboration, learning, and fun? Here’s everything you need to know.
Circle Time: Your Questions Answered
What is Circle Time?
Circle Time is a time to gather all of the children together. It paves the way for questions and discovery in a relaxed, conversational setting. The circle shape allows all students to equally see the person leading Circle Time, and allows the leader to see all of the children. When incorporated into your homeschool routine, it helps keep the whole family on track and motivated as you collaborate, review skills, convey traditions, and have fun with group learning, music, or movement.
Some examples of Circle Time activities: discussion of recent lessons, family read-alouds, dancing to educational songs, noting the time, day of the week, month, or weather, or doing a group hands-on science activity. It’s also an excellent way for children to reflect on what they’ve learned and create excitement about upcoming events.
When should we do Circle Time?
Circle Time can be done at any time of day. Use it to bring everyone together in the morning to start your school day, or as a calm-down activity before nap time. Choose a time that works best for your family and stick with it as often as possible. Children thrive on consistency and routine; they will look forward to Circle Time being at the same time each day.
Where should we do Circle Time?
Be flexible with the location. Choose a spot where you and your children are comfortable: on the floor, around the table, on the sofa, or even outdoors. The setting matters less than the consistency.
Can older children participate?
Absolutely. Art, music, science, geography, and history all lend themselves well to group settings and group projects. You can use Circle Time as part of your family read-aloud; consider including props to get imaginations flowing. When you begin a new book, challenge your kids to a scavenger hunt to find toys, tools, and accessories to recreate and act out scenes from the story.
Why Your Homeschool Routine Can Benefit from Circle Time
Children love to open up and discuss things during Circle Time. Use this time to discover your child’s passions and tweak lesson plans accordingly. Follow your child’s lead and find subjects that capture their interest. Do you have kids who love to discover new things on their own? Let them take turns leading the meeting time for the family.
It’s also perfect for reviewing information previously introduced. A daily review helps you see how your children are progressing and plan accordingly. And if you have upcoming events, say, a field trip, a co-op day, a special project, Circle Time is the perfect moment to prepare your children for what’s ahead.
A ShillerLearning Resource for Circle Time
ShillerLearning’s Circle Time Posters with BONUS coordinating student coloring books are perfect for use as Circle Time discussion points and review. The beautiful color posters include the lowercase alphabet (for letter recognition and sounds), numbers 1–10, colors, shapes, days of the week, months of the year, and the sign language alphabet.
Bonus student coloring activity books are also included: My Alphabet Book, My Color Book, My Shape Book, My Calendar, and My Numbers Book. Students can review, color, and track their homeschool journey. It’s an incredible bundle for any homeschool.
See Inside Our Language Arts Kits
ShillerLearning’s Language Arts Kits include the songs, activities, and materials that make Circle Time come alive — from the alphabet to phonics to reading comprehension.
Ready to bring more structure and joy to your homeschool day?
Shop Circle Time Posters →
