How should I put kids names creatively on the rug for circle time?

Question

I'm a Kindergarten teacher at a daycare center.

I have 3-4 problem kids who won't sit still.

Answer 1

Been there, done that!  I know how frustrating it can be.  Try to remember that their behavior is developmentally appropriate for their age.  Have you tried using carpet samples?  Some carpeting stores will give away older, bound carpet samples that they're not using anymore.  You can either lay them out in the pattern you want to use or let the kids choose one from the stack and place it to sit on.  Also, if there are too many kids to make a circle, sometimes you can just place the carpets in a half-moon formation so they can all see.

I have tried asking an especially disruptive child to please go sit at that table in THIS chair.  The chair is placed so that I can see him and he can still see the pictures and hear the activities.  Often, they don't like being singled out to be removed from the group and once or twice will correct the problem.  Don't remove more than one at a time, because they will interact with each other at the table and continue the disruption.  Remove the ring leader, or the worst offender.  When it's time to transition to the next activity, the disruptive child is chosen last.  "I'm sorry.  I can't pick you first because you weren't sitting and listening."

Make sure you are including plenty of active time in your schedule.  Use a very active circle with plenty of singing, marching, and moving right before your listening circle.  Then help the children wind down with a quieter rhythm activity such as a simple clapping or tapping rhythm sitting down.  Tell them to see if you can do what I am doing.  Then do some deep breathing, and then begin your circle.

Answer 2

Try getting carpet squares and then each person has teir space.

Give them a hula hoop and tell that is their space during carpet time and no one will go in it and they can't leave it.

Remove them from the carpet and let them join the rest of the group for short periods of time

Answer 3

2 methods:

a behavior chart. list of names of all students in class. award "star" stickers to those who abide by your instructions. before that, it is important to go through with the class what u expect out of them. start by going through 2-3 specific examples (e.g. sitting still, raising hand to talk). put star chart on a board, it helps children to regulate their behaviors when they see themselves compared to others.

(2) allocate specific responsibilties to the active kids. get them to put their names or arrange chairs or run errands. which means to channel their energy into meaningful activities. be sure to comment and praise on their help after they completed the tasks!!!

:) gd luck!

Answer 4

make them make a name tag and stick it on the carpet.

Answer 5

you set up a meaning with their parents and tell them that they dont listen, and they obviously are not recieving disipline at home. and if they dont do anything about it then their child will repeat the grade.

Answer 6

Use water paint and put them in pie shape, starting in the center of each slice, start with the first letter and come out to the edge of the slice.

Answer 7

At our school, we use a small, circular rubber mat for the children who won't sit still.  The child must sit on the mat and he or she cannot move the mat or move from the mat unless the/she is called upon to get up for some reason (such as to demonstrate something).  You could use something like this and write the children's names on them or decorate them somehow.  If you do not want to single out those children, you could create a "special circle" for each child in your classroom and have the children bring their special circle to circle time to sit on.  Just be sure that the children know and understand the rules pertaining to this and consistently reinforce it.

Prior to resorting to this, we let the children know that they may choose to sit quietly or they may sit in a chair (which means that they are not able to participate).  It's all about encouraging the child to make positive choices.  Try this first and if it does not work, then you may want to try the mats.

Answer 8

I am a first grade teacher, but with my antsy children I find it effective to have them sit in chairs around our group.  Instead of spinning in circles or talking/touching others they are paying attention... good luck!

Answer 9

Velcro them and when the child gets up make them pick up their name and take it with them.