As I was taking my youngest daughter in to her first grade classroom for the first time, she asked, "Mom, will they have a rug?" Thinking that she was inquiring because sitting on the rug for lessons had been an important part of her kindergarten experience, I answered, "I'm not sure, but they might!" Then her shoulders dropped and her head slumped as she exclaimed, "I hate the rug!"
I was quite surprised at my daughter's anti-rug sentiments. So, I asked her "Why." Her response was, "It's so uncomfortable and sitting criss-cross applesauce hurts my legs!" To that, I could not argue with one bit. As we turned the corner and entered that classroom, the first thing we saw was...the rug.
The 'rug' has been a foundational element in the early childhood classroom for decades. It serves an important purpose of bringing together the teacher and children in a large group setting. It's a convenient way to gather children in a smaller space and to allow close proximity for group conversations, teaching, singing, and stories.
I am not "anti-rug" or an "anti-rugger" or trying to reform the rug movement! I recognize the value of the rug and its ability to somewhat harness the bodies of 10-20 children at a time in a defined space. For the most part, it works and it will continue to be used for years to come. With this being said, I do believe that there are some downfalls to the "rug" and sitting arrangements that may be impacting children's comfort and attention during this time.
So here are eight questions to consider as you plan the sitting arrangements for your circle times.
1. Can you see every child and can every child see you?
This is an important one! Children want to see what is happening. If a head is blocking their view or they can't see the pictures of the story, you are going to hear about it again, and again, and again. As the teacher, it is also important that you can see everyone as well, because you need to know what's going on too! Setting up your sitting arrangements so that everyone can see without obstructions is key.
2. Does every child have a defined space?
Children like to have boundaries (whether they admit it or not). Providing a defined personal space for each child helps them to manage their busy bodies better. There are many ways to create defined spaces. The traditional rug provides spaces such as squares, dots, or even lily pads for each child to sit on. Some teachers use rug remnants that each child sits on. In our classroom, we use blue pillows that were purchased from Lakeshore Learning. These pillows provide a defined space for sitting and also provide some cushion. They are easily movable, stack-able and washable.
#1 TIP TO FOLLOW IF YOU BUY THESE PILLOWS: Buy all the same color! That will eliminate anyone saying, "I wanted the green pillow!" Anyone who has taught very long understands what I am saying.
3. Can children move well enough to get up and down for turn-taking?
This is worth paying special attention to. Circle time is a time for children and teachers to interact and share. There are daily opportunities for turn-taking as children participate in the large group activities. Whether it is holding a picture or being the leader for a song, the children need a clear space where they can get up and down without interrupting other children. If children are sitting so closely that it interferes with a smooth transition from sitting to standing, you will want to look at ways you can provide more space.
4. How long are children sitting at circle time?
Early childhood educators know that a young child's ability to sit and attend to an activity corresponds closely with age. The mathematical equation for determining the appropriate expectation for how long a child can do this is approximately (age x 4). So a three-year-old can sit for about 12 minutes and a five-year-old for about 20. Even with these time frames in mind, remember that sitting for 12 to 20 minutes straight is still too long for children. Plan activities within your circle time that will provide opportunities for the children to stand up, take turns and move throughout the lesson.
5. How comfortable is the spot each child is sitting on?
If you want to think about the comfort of the children in your class, just do an internet search on "preschool circle time." You will see a myriad of ways that children are sitting: some on rugs, some on carpets, some on pillows and some on hard surfaces. Consider the options that you see and decide for yourself what looks most comfortable to you! Odds are, the children would feel the same way. This is one of the main reasons we like to use the pillows in our classroom. They seem to be "just right" for those little bodies comfort.
6. Where do children place their hands and feet while sitting?
Now this can really be a dilemma for both the children and the teachers. How do we contain those hands and feet? Let alone, how do we contain 10-20 sets of them! Criss-cross applesauce was created to address this issue and the rhyme with the reminder typically works quite well. The legs and feet are quickly contained and the hands typically rest on the knees. The downside to asking all children to sit in this position occurs because not all bodies are comfortable this way. Those who find this uncomfortable will typically be the ones who try to straighten their legs or lean back to support their bodies by resting on their hands. These adjustments often impede on other children's personal space. In our classroom, children sit in a half circle. Every child is on a pillow and their backs lean on a wall. We have found that this arrangement allows for children to sit criss-cross or to sit with their legs straightened out. Because no one is in front or behind them, they can have a little more movement without interfering with others.
7. How comfortable are YOU when you try sitting in the same way you ask the children to?
This is the final and most valid way to find out just how comfortable your sitting arrangements are. Try it out for yourself! Yep, give yourself a little more 'adult' space on those rugs, or pillows or carpet squares and sit in the position that you are asking your children to sit in. Imagine that you are participating in a lesson and see how comfortable you feel! Odds are, the children probably feel the same way.
8. Have you modeled and practiced how to sit with the class?
Last but not least. Even with the best laid plans, your sitting arrangements will not work well unless you model and practice them with the children. For most children, preschool is a new experience and your expectations are new as well. Don't assume that they know what to do. Take time to show them, let them practice and give simple clues to help remind them. In our classroom, we teach this on the very first day and we practice it all year. Don't get discouraged when you need to give them reminders. On the first day we take a picture of the class all sitting in the right position and then we hang it in in our large group area. It is a simple reminder that helps the class remember what they have learned.
