Morning circles are a common way to start the day at daycare. They offer children the opportunity to wake up to a new day and create a sense of belonging in the group.
Various games and activities can be utilized in the daycare morning circle. The circle can start with a discussion about the day's weather or a brief exercise session. Introducing the day's theme or upcoming activities also fits well into the morning circle program.
In this article, we present different ideas and games suitable for morning circles with children of various ages.
Starting the Morning Circle
Starting the morning circle in a calm and clear manner is important. Begin the circle with greetings so that every child feels seen and heard. You can also use calm music or a short story to create a soothing atmosphere.
Content of the Morning Circle
The content of the morning circle can vary daily. It may include singing, playing, discussing, or even some teaching. It's important to keep the content diverse and appropriate for the age group. Also, remember to let the children participate and bring their own ideas to the circle.
Morning Circle for Children Under 3 Years
In the morning circle for children under three years, the focus is on simple and calm activities. It is important to create a safe and relaxed atmosphere. Suitable activities for young children include short songs, small hand movements, or using soft toys in games.
Morning Circle for Kindergarten-Aged Children
In the kindergarten morning circle, more complex activities and games can be engaged in. This age group may enjoy small group tasks, interactive games, and little learning tasks. The morning circle is also a great opportunity to discuss the day's plans and encourage children to share their thoughts and experiences.
Active Morning Circle
The active morning circle includes moving and energetic games that wake up and activate the children. Simple games played in a circle, like the vampire game or wave game, are excellent choices. Active games also help develop motor skills and teamwork.
Morning Circle Games: 5 Ideas
Roll Call and Greeting In this game, each child says their name in turn and greets others in a fun way, such as with a wave, a smile, or a small dance move. This game helps children learn each other's names and builds community.
Emotion Guessing Game In the emotion guessing game, children take turns expressing an emotion with their facial expression or gesture, and others try to guess the emotion. This game promotes the development of emotional skills and learning empathy.
Weather Game and Weather Words The weather game is a simple activity where children take turns describing the weather outside and what they hope the day's weather will be. This game stimulates children's observational skills and conversational abilities. Daily weather words can be practiced by considering which words fit the current weather conditions, incorporating seasons as well.
My Favorite In this game, children share something they favor, like their favorite food, animal, or hobby. This helps children get to know each other better and encourages them to express themselves.
Word of the Day Play In the word of the day game, a word chosen by an adult inspires the play. Children might make a movement related to the word or share something about it. This game develops vocabulary and imagination.
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