Lesson Plan
Circle Time Adventures Lesson Plan
Review key concepts and foster socialization through interactive activities that nurture communication, understanding, and inclusivity for ESL learners.
This lesson promotes effective communication and social interaction among preschoolers, especially supporting English language learners to feel included and confident.
Audience
Preschool
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive, multimedia, and hands-on activities.
Prep
Preparation
10 minutes
- Review all digital materials including the Engaging Video: Sharing is Caring and Interactive Quiz for Preschoolers.
- Ensure warm up and cool down materials are accessible and suited for ESL learners.
- Prepare the classroom setting in a circle format, making sure visuals are clear for all students.
Step 1
Warm Up
5 minutes
- Start with greeting and a fun song to welcome everyone.
- Use the Warm Up Activity Cards to engage and prompt discussion among children.
Step 2
Main Activity
15 minutes
- Show the Engaging Video: Sharing is Caring to introduce the review concepts.
- Facilitate a guided discussion, encouraging students to share thoughts and ask questions.
- Use the Group Activity Guide for a partner or group drawing activity that reviews key concepts.
Step 3
Quiz & Worksheet
5 minutes
- Conduct an interactive review session using the Interactive Quiz for Preschoolers.
- Distribute the Concept Review Worksheet for students to complete with teacher support, ensuring language support as needed.
Step 4
Cool Down
5 minutes
- Conclude with a calming story from the Cool Down Story Time Script.
- Circle back to key points and express appreciation for everyone’s participation.
Warm Up
Circle Time Adventures Warm Up Activity Cards
These cards are designed to kick off the day with engaging, age-appropriate prompts that encourage conversation and sharing among preschoolers. The activity cards include simple questions and picture cues to help every student, including English as a second language learners, participate confidently.
How to Use the Cards
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Greeting & Discussion: Begin the session by showing a card with a warm greeting and a fun question (e.g., "What is your favorite color today?"). Encourage students to answer and then prompt follow-up questions to foster deeper conversation.
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Picture Prompts: Use cards featuring images (such as a smiling sun, a playful puppy, or a happy group of friends) to prompt students to share stories related to the images. This visual aid can help integrate language support for ESL learners.
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Sharing Time: Ask students to share one thing they are excited about this morning. This could be done in a circle format to ensure everyone has a chance to speak.
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Rotation Cards: Consider rotating the cards so that each student gets a chance to pick a card and lead the conversation, building confidence and leadership skills.
These activity cards are meant to serve as a warm-up that not only reviews key concepts but also helps build a strong, inclusive community within the classroom.
Cool Down
Circle Time Adventures Cool Down Story Time Script
A Gentle Journey: The Tale of the Sharing Tree
Once upon a time, in a bright and friendly forest, there was a beautiful tree called the Sharing Tree. The Sharing Tree wasn't just any ordinary tree; it had leaves that whispered kind words and branches that gently swayed to the rhythm of the wind, as if humming a soothing lullaby.
Every morning, the animals of the forest gathered around the Sharing Tree to say hello and share stories about their day. The little birds chirped about their shiny feathers, and the playful squirrels talked about gathering acorns. Even the shy hedgehog found comfort in the gentle voice of the tree.
One day, a new friend arrived in the forest—a bright, colorful butterfly who spoke softly and hesitantly. Although the butterfly felt nervous, the Sharing Tree welcomed her with warm, rustling leaves. "Here, everyone shares and listens with kind hearts," the tree whispered. The animals listened and learned that even different voices could create a beautiful melody when they all came together. The butterfly slowly began to feel confident and started sharing what made her special.
The animals learned an important lesson that day: sharing our thoughts and listening to others makes us all stronger and happier. Take a deep breath, feel the calm of the Sharing Tree, and remember that every voice matters in our circle.
Now, sit quietly and think about one kind thing you can share tomorrow or one thing that makes you unique. Hold that thought like a warm, comforting hug as we prepare to say our friendly goodbyes for today.
Thank you for listening, and remember, like the Sharing Tree, your kindness and voice help make our circle a special place.
Quiz
Circle Time Adventures Interactive Quiz
Worksheet
Circle Time Adventures Concept Review Worksheet
This worksheet is designed to help you remember and review what we learned during our morning circle time! Complete each activity and have fun learning about sharing and friendship.
Activity 1: Matching Fun
Match each picture with the correct word. Draw a line from the picture to the right word.
- A picture of two friends sharing a toy. ______
- A picture of a group of children playing together. ______
- A picture of a smiling teacher. ______
Write the correct word next to each picture: sharing, playing, learning.
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Activity 2: My Sharing Drawing
Draw a picture of you sharing something with a friend. Try to show the kind actions you take when you share.
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Activity 3: Color It In!
Color the picture of the Sharing Tree. Remember, the Sharing Tree reminds us to share our thoughts and listen to our friends!
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Activity 4: Circle Time Thoughts
Answer this question: What is one kind thing you can share with your friends tomorrow? Write your answer below:
____________________________________________________
Great job today! Remember, every kind word and action helps make our circle a special place.
Activity
Circle Time Adventures Group Activity Guide
Group Collaborative Art: The Sharing Mural
Objective
The goal of this group activity is for students to work together on a collaborative art piece that represents the ideas of sharing, friendship, and teamwork introduced during the lesson.
Materials Needed
- Large sheet of paper or poster board
- Non-toxic markers, crayons, or paints
- Pictures or printed images related to sharing and friendship (optional)
- Stickers and other decorative items (optional)
Activity Instructions
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Introduction (2 minutes):
- Gather the students in a circle and explain that today they'll work as a team to create a beautiful art piece called the "Sharing Mural."
- Briefly remind them about the themes of sharing and friendship from the video and discussions.
- Gather the students in a circle and explain that today they'll work as a team to create a beautiful art piece called the "Sharing Mural."
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Brainstorming (3 minutes):
- Ask students to share ideas on what they could include in their mural. For example, pictures of kids playing, sharing toys, or any symbols that remind them of friendship.
- Write down some keywords or draw simple sketches on a board as ideas (teacher-led for ESL support).
- Ask students to share ideas on what they could include in their mural. For example, pictures of kids playing, sharing toys, or any symbols that remind them of friendship.
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Group Work (8 minutes):
- Lay out the large paper or poster board where everyone can see it.
- Divide the kids into small groups or have them work together as one team. Encourage them to take turns drawing, coloring, and adding elements to the mural.
- Remind them to share materials and help each other as they work, just like in the lesson.
- Lay out the large paper or poster board where everyone can see it.
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Sharing Session (2 minutes):
- Once the mural is complete, invite each child or group to explain one part of the mural and how it represents sharing or friendship.
- Offer praise for teamwork and creativity, reinforcing the lesson's key messages.
- Once the mural is complete, invite each child or group to explain one part of the mural and how it represents sharing or friendship.
Follow-Up
- Display the Sharing Mural on a classroom wall or near the circle time area. This can serve as a reminder of the day’s lesson and the importance of sharing.
- Encourage students to think about how they can share and support one another throughout the day.
Note: Teachers may provide additional language support for ESL students, offering key vocabulary or phrases related to sharing and friendship as needed.
Worksheet
Circle Time Adventures Coloring Page
Welcome to your coloring page! Today, you'll get to color a special picture that reminds us of sharing and friendship. Look at the drawing of the Sharing Tree with friendly forest animals. Imagine the bright, happy colors that show how much we care for one another!
Instructions:
- Color the Sharing Tree and all the forest animals.
- Think about the story of the Sharing Tree and the butterfly, and add your creative touches with any colors you like!
Enjoy your coloring time and remember that every color you choose shows how unique you are!
Have fun and be creative!
Where to Find This Worksheet:
This coloring page is now clearly included in the "Circle Time Adventures" lesson materials. It is available alongside other worksheets in the lesson plan, ensuring that teachers can easily access and use it during the lesson.