Do you think 3 year olds should have to join circle time if they don't want to.?

Answer 1

i make my 2 year olds join circle time when they dont want to.I do give the kids that are a bit more distracted something small to hold in their hand while we are in circle time. It helps them keep their mind off of wanting to get up and distracting the other children but also makes them "participate" in the circle time activities.

Answer 2

I have mixed feelings on this.

It helps children make choices if they have some choices to make, so in some ways, another option (sitting quietly at the table and waiting for the rest to finish circle time) might not be so harmful. On the other hand, not joining the group in a required activity teaches this child (and other children) that they don't really have to do what the teacher says. This will cause problems later.

Not joining the rest of the class can be a sign of something wrong, and a teacher should take the time to talk with the child privately later, and tell his or her parent or guardian that the child chose not to participate in circle time. It could be something simple like, "Joey took my block at free play time and I'm mad at him" or because he's embarassed because he accidentally wet his pants and doesn't want anyone to know. Sometimes it's more serious and is a sign of problems at home or elsewhere in the classroom. Other times, it's honestly that he didn't feel like it.

So, the best thing to do, I think, is to give the choice, but make it a boring choice: "you may sit at your table and watch, or you may join the activity" (Don't give any other choices and don't make a big deal out of it so that the other children don't decide it's more fun to abandon circle time.). Talk to the child later, when you can have a moment free, and mention it in passing to the parents. Don't make a big deal out of it if it happens once, but if you find the child wanting to sit out repeatedly, it IS a problem and it needs to be looked into. It is not normal for a child to want to sit apart from the group, and it is a significant concern if it happens repeatedly.

Good luck finding a reason behind the lack of interest in the circle time.


*I will note I have a niece who is not even two and she can and does answer "why" questions and can indicate how she feels using partial and complete sentences. Don't underestimate the age of the child and his or her ability to communicate feelings. Kids can say quite a bit about how they feel, if we encourage them to do so.

Answer 3

Yes a three year old is going to not want to do anything, although you could go about this different ways .
1. Let the child sit out and then when he sees how much fun you all are having he will want to join in. Make him or her ask before they join the group.
2. Make them sit in the circle.
3. Make them sit just outside the circle in a chair.
4. Make it fun and have him or her sit in the middle of the circle if it is attention they are wanting.
5. Go with your gut... you know what to do.

Answer 4

First of all, I believe beyond the own child's decision, that the parents should be asked whether they believe their child/children should join circle time. It is important to expose the child to socialization that will set that child up for the future, and if their parents aren't actively supporting the child, ensure that the child gets involved with the circle time; one day they will thank you.

Important Note: I will never bash nor discredit anyone's answers, however, ReginaAdvocata's answer, I believe, is aimed at a more older child than this question is asking. Talking to a child about a particular problem is a good thing, and to offer alternatives that may seem boring can be a tricky way to get the child to participate, but I believe we should offer a choice and based on what the parents ask of you to do, continue offering choices. It is important to allow the child freedom of choice and allowing the parents to help do their job as well. These problems (anti-socialization) often occur due to poor parenting and often, limited persons in earlier stages of life to socialize with. To the user who asked this question, I highly urge you to read the link I have attached below that helped me with answering this question.

Answer 5

Yes, it's part of the socialization process. Many times during play school kids get to do their own choosing, from what colors to use when painting to other activities they might wish to do during play time.

Circle time is part of the structure, the routine, of the play school day. It's also part of the structure of pre-school or kindergarten days, so it's helpful to them.

As well, kids do much better with at least some structure in their lives. There is much comfort in knowing the routine, instead of not being sure what's allowed, or what's not.

Answer 6

if a kid is shy then you should join the circle with them until they are comortable enough to go by themselves, show how much fun it is, and if they still dont want to join then you will be doing more harm than good to make them do something they dont want to do, but try to introduce them to the fun without scaring them.... I think that some of you guys who are answering these questions are anti social yourself.. you cant MAKE a kid do what they dont want to do, it has nothing to do with being obidient or disrespectful...

Answer 7

I have found if you have 2 options and ask before hand to pick, it works best. It makes them feel bigger.

EX: 1. circle time
or 2. Find a play station or work on art project or help set for lunch.

Answer 8

No, I don't think they should instead get maybe two or three kids your child is okay with being around then take it step by step and then they... MIGHT what to join circle time.

Answer 9

Yes, even though it's hard for them, they have to learn boundaries & rules. If it's circle time, it's circle time, and then later, they can do whatever it was they wanted.

Answer 10

if its part of the routine that he in with his daycare or preschool then yes i think he should participate. though ive not known a 3 year old to anything they dont want to do.