Childcare centers and schools may provide circle time for children throughout the day. These circles may consist of a group of children who are expected to sit on a carpet and watch what is happening up at the front. Usually a teacher will read stories, play games or have an open discussion. While some children can sit through these group lessons on the floor, other children have a harder time.
Kids with autism may have a few challenges that can prevent them from being able to sit at circle time. Learning what these challenges are may help someone discover how to help kids master circle time.
Picture board
A child who is high functioning may enjoy the use of a picture schedule to help them get through the circle. The schedule would consist of pictures and single words underneath each photo. The photo may be of the actual child, or of a general picture. Board makers may have some great ideas to use when looking for general pictures.
Creating a schedule would also involve the teacher having a well-planned-out circle time that is consistent each and every time. The circle may consist of a brief discussion at the beginning, followed by a book, game and end. While the teacher may choose different aspects to each circle time, keeping it in the same order may help a child with autism.
Effective Social Cues
Not only are visual boards helpful but so are other signals and cues. A good morning song allows kids to know that the beginning of circle has started. Using an ending song can also help children realize that it is over and time to move on to another activity.
Sensory Weights
Kids who have a hard time sitting or focusing may benefit from the use of lap weights and other sensory objects. Lap snakes can be purchased or they can be made. The design is placed around the waist area to provide some sensory stimulation relief. Kids will often calm down and be able to focus better when they feel the calming sensation of the lap pressure.
Making a snake could consist of a long soccer sock that is full of rice or beans. It would be sewn tightly at the end to prevent anything from falling out. It can sit over the lap of the child and stay there until circle is finished, or until the child is able to leave.
Weighted vests can also help to do the trick, by providing a calming pressure over the shoulder blades and chest area. The vest can be made using a vest that is packed with weighted bean bags. Both the vests and the snakes can be purchased through special retailers.
Some children prefer using squishy balls or other hand-held tactile devices. These gadgets can be squeezed and played with during circle. Kids can often focus better when they have somewhere to release their energy. Moving their hands repeatedly around a tactile item or sensory object may keep the rest of their body relaxed and focused.
Realistic Expectations
Having the expectation that kids will be able to sit for the entire length of circle right away, could set the child and teacher up for failure. It may take time to build up to the full time limit. Kids should be given different expectations of sitting for circle that is based on their abilities and skills.
Using a variety of techniques may help a child learn how to sit for circle and benefit from the group experience with the teacher. If one idea doesn't work for one particular child, another one may. Giving each child the time they deserve to figure out what works for them, may help to provide a positive experience for them and the rest of the children in the group.
laura Penney - I live in Canada with my family including two dogs a cat and guinea pig! I have a background in Early Childhood Education and teaching ...
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