Some children in our class try to dominate Circle Time or show off, what can I do?
Q: Sometimes certain children in my class try to show off or dominate Circle Time.
A: In the structure that I suggest for Circle-Time sessions, it is hard for children to dominate, so do first check the structure of your sessions. When you do a round with the conch of talking about things they do not like, are you sure you start with the beginning of a sentence which they can complete such as, 'I don't like it when ...'? I have been in some classrooms where the teachers give a theme which is too open-ended, such as, 'Tell me something good about your family.' This lends itself to certain children prattling on for ages.
Also, in the Open Forum, middle phase of Circle Time, choose only one child who needs help with behaviour, curriculum or other concerns as well as reviewing the action plan of the child from the previous week.
If you feel that your structure is balanced and yet still certain children are trying to claim power over the circle, don't think for a moment that your Circle Time is separate from your normal sanction system. In other words, your ground rules should incorporate a resolution that if any child breaks the positive rules of the circle he will receive a written warning and then be asked to sit out. This can all be achieved within the circle very calmly without any vocal expression of anger or disappointment. (I tend, if children do have to sit outside the circle, to play an exciting game next so that they feel they are missing out on something. If we continue with the same serious discussion, they might be relieved to sit outside!) If a child persistently disrupts, it is clear that this circle of thirty children cannot meet his needs. He may be a candidate for the small, therapeutic circles of support.
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