Circle time in the Montessori classroom is a time for toddlers to develop their listening skills, learn new vocabulary, practice language skills, practice following directions, build self-confidence, and learn about being a member of a community.

The morning begins with children working with the Montessori materials. The two Montessori teachers in the classroom are busy with demonstrations and lessons, keeping a watchful eye on the children as they are working. As circle time approaches, one teacher quietly moves to the audio player to turn on a song that signals it is time for the children to clean up. She then quietly moves to the group area to await the children. The other teacher helps the children put away their materials. When the children who are coming to circle are gathered, the teacher leading circle begins a song to welcome the children to circle.

Activities for Toddler Circle Time in the Montessori Classroom

To the tune of “Frere Jacques”
Hello Friends. Hello friends.
How are you? How are you?
We’re glad you came to school today.
We’re going to learn and laugh and play.
Yes we are. Yes we are.
(Can be sung substituting each child’s name)

After the song, there are many things that can be done in circle. Montessori teachers often use this time to read stories, sing songs, play musical instruments, perform finger plays, and present counting, calendar, nature, and weather activities. It is important to remember that this is the sensitive period for language. Toddlers want to learn the names of everything in their environment so they can communicate with others. Circle time is the perfect opportunity to give toddlers the names of objects that are found in the home, the classroom, and the community.

It is also important to remember that during this sensitive period of toddlerhood, books should be based on real objects, not fantasy, because at this stage of development children want and need to learn about the real world. The time for fairy tales and fantasy comes at a later stage of development, after the children have absorbed and experienced what they can about the real world.

Just as books should be kept “real,” so should the objects that are presented. If you read a book about autumn, be sure to have specimens of real leaves for the children to see, smell, and touch. If you read a book about oranges, have some real oranges available for the children to touch, smell, cut up and taste. In the Montessori classroom, the experience of real, tangible objects should always come before pictures or disassociated names.

While toddler circle time activities vary, the new toddler Montessori teacher may feel overwhelmed at the thought of gathering the young students for a group lesson. Here’s an example of one Montessori teacher’s circle time routine:

• Welcome Song – Toddlers really enjoy singing songs with hand motions, clapping, etc.
• Weather and Season – We learn/review what season we are in and what is happening with our weather lately, how it’s changing and what season will come next.
• Calendar – Time for more songs about Months of the Year and Days of the Week. Ask if someone can tell you what month it is. Then ask if someone can tell you what day of the week it is. Have a daily calendar helper to help you find the date and put it on the calendar. Then, count together up to that number.
• Theme Activity – This might include a story from a book or using a puppet or flannel board. It could include finger plays, creative movement, and sharing of new objects.
• Closing – We sing a closing song together, usually holding hands. This helps the children transition to our next activity.

Circle time is an enjoyable time for toddlers as they develop language skills, express their thoughts, and learn to participate in a group. Because attention spans are short, it is good to monitor and adjust your circle time according to the needs of the children in your care. Being flexible will help guarantee the success of your Montessori toddler program. More great activity and classroom ideas are available in the NAMC Infant/Toddler diploma program manuals .