The Benefits of Circle Time: Building Skills and Creating Connections at CST Academy

Circle time is a beloved part of early childhood education, offering a structured yet welcoming space for children to come together, learn, and grow. For children with autism or developmental delays, circle time holds even greater potential. It provides an opportunity to build foundational skills in communication, social interaction, and emotional regulation—all while fostering a sense of community and connection.

At CST Academy, we understand the power of circle time and incorporate it into our therapeutic preschool programs. With a compassionate, evidence-based approach, we create engaging circle time activities tailored to the unique needs of every child, helping them thrive in a supportive environment.

What Is Circle Time?

Circle time is a daily routine where children gather together in a circle with their teachers or therapists to participate in structured group activities. These sessions often include:

• Greetings and introductions.
• Songs, rhymes, or fingerplays.
• Storytelling and discussions.
• Sharing time or show-and-tell.
• Calendar or weather updates.
• Movement or mindfulness activities.

This familiar routine provides children with consistency, structure, and opportunities to practice important skills in a group setting.

The Benefits of Circle Time for Children with Autism

Circle time offers a wide range of developmental benefits, particularly for children with autism or other developmental delays. Here are some of the key advantages:

1. Enhancing Communication Skills
   Circle time encourages children to listen, respond, and engage in group conversations. Activities like singing songs or sharing ideas help develop verbal and nonverbal communication.
2. Fostering Social Interaction
   Participating in a group activity teaches children how to take turns, follow group norms, and build relationships with peers. This helps strengthen social bonds and cooperation.
3. Promoting Emotional Regulation
   Structured routines like circle time provide predictability, which can help children feel more secure and manage their emotions. Mindfulness activities during circle time can also support self-regulation.
4. Developing Cognitive Skills
   Activities such as storytelling, calendar discussions, and problem-solving games stimulate cognitive development, including memory, attention, and critical thinking.
5. Encouraging Participation and Confidence
   Circle time creates a safe space for children to contribute their thoughts, share their experiences, and feel valued as part of a group.
6. Building a Sense of Community
   Coming together in a circle fosters a sense of belonging and inclusion, which is essential for emotional well-being and social development.

How CST Academy Makes Circle Time Engaging and Inclusive

At CST Academy, circle time is more than just a daily routine—it’s an opportunity to empower children with autism to build critical skills while having fun. Here’s how we make circle time a meaningful experience:

1. Tailored Activities
   Our therapists design circle time activities to align with each child’s developmental goals. Whether it’s practicing language skills, improving attention, or fostering social interaction, every activity is purposeful and inclusive.
2. Sensory-Friendly Environment
   We understand that some children may feel overwhelmed in group settings. Our classrooms are equipped with sensory-friendly tools like fidget toys, weighted lap pads, and flexible seating options to help children stay comfortable and engaged.
3. Multidisciplinary Approach
   Circle time at CST Academy often integrates strategies from speech therapy, occupational therapy, and behavioral therapy to address a child’s unique needs comprehensively.
4. Interactive and Play-Based Learning
   We use songs, games, and storytelling to make circle time interactive and enjoyable. These activities encourage active participation and keep children motivated to learn.
5. Focus on Social Skills
   Our therapists model and encourage positive social behaviors, such as turn-taking, eye contact, and active listening, helping children build meaningful connections with their peers.
6. Parent Involvement
   We provide families with tips and resources to extend the benefits of circle time into the home, reinforcing skills and creating consistency across environments.

Circle Time Activities That Support Development

Circle time activities can be adapted to meet a variety of developmental needs. At CST Academy, we use a range of engaging activities to support growth, including:

1. Singing and Music:
   Songs with actions, such as “The Wheels on the Bus” or “If You’re Happy and You Know It,” help children practice coordination, language, and imitation skills.
2. Storytime:
   Reading books aloud encourages listening, comprehension, and vocabulary development while sparking imagination.
3. Calendar and Weather Discussions:
   Talking about the day, date, and weather helps children develop time concepts and observational skills.
4. Show-and-Tell:
   Sharing an item or story builds confidence, communication skills, and social interaction.
5. Movement Breaks:
   Activities like stretching, dancing, or yoga keep children engaged and support motor development.
6. Mindfulness Moments:
   Simple breathing exercises or quiet time helps children practice self-regulation and focus.

How Parents Can Incorporate Circle Time at Home

Circle time isn’t limited to the classroom—it’s a routine that can easily be adapted for home use. Here are some tips for creating a circle time routine at home:

1. Set a Routine:
   Choose a consistent time each day for circle time, such as after breakfast or before nap time.
2. Start with Greetings:
   Begin with a simple greeting song or activity to set a positive tone.
3. Use Visual Aids:
   Incorporate visual schedules, calendars, or props to support understanding and engagement.
4. Include Favorite Activities:
   Tailor circle time to your child’s interests, whether it’s singing, reading, or playing a game.
5. Keep It Short:
   Start with short sessions and gradually increase the length as your child becomes more comfortable.
6. Celebrate Participation:
   Praise your child’s efforts and celebrate small successes to build their confidence and motivation.

Why Families Choose CST Academy

CST Academy is a trusted partner for families seeking compassionate, individualized support for their children. Here’s why parents rely on us:

• Expert Team: Our therapists are experienced in creating engaging and effective group activities like circle time.
• Tailored Programs: Every child’s therapy plan is customized to meet their unique developmental goals.
• Inclusive Environment: Our sensory-friendly classrooms ensure every child feels safe, supported, and valued.
• Parent Collaboration: We work closely with families to extend the benefits of therapy into everyday life.

A Parent’s Perspective on Circle Time at CST Academy

One parent shared:

“Circle time has been such a positive experience for our child. It’s helped them feel more comfortable in group settings and given them the confidence to participate. The team at CST Academy has made it so much fun and meaningful, and we’ve even started doing a mini circle time at home!”

Take the First Step with CST Academy

Circle time is more than just a routine—it’s a powerful tool for growth, connection, and learning. At CST Academy, we’re dedicated to making every moment of circle time engaging and impactful for children with autism and developmental delays.

Contact us today to learn more about our programs and how we can support your child’s development. Together, we’ll create a brighter future, one circle at a time.