Routines are a great way to let kids know what’s coming. A specific activity to start is a way to move from a busy activity or free play into a more structured group time. It gets their brain going in the direction of the anticipated activity and helps prepare them for what will be expected of them. Any kind of signal will work as long as it’s consistent. 

Some ideas to get you started are:

~A basket of books to look through 

~Coloring 

~Bathroom time

~where they sit

~songs they sing

~A special rhyme

~special significant activities (show and tell -colors, tactile experiences, etc from a bag)

It’s also a good idea to have a routine way of ending circle time as well as a specific routine for activities during circle time.

This can be as simple as starting with a song or asking a question that pertains to a book you want to read. Reading the book, then doing some sort of movement activity. And finally, close with a special song or rhyme.

Remember, the key to success is to keep each activity short and engaging.