Circlesing! Play

Circles range between 30 and 40 (usually 40) minutes long depending on the energy of your party people.

A clear space helps the children focus on the activity; remove toys (especially noisy toys) or other distractions and if you have battery operated music making toys, it's a good idea to turn them off or put them away. If we're in a toy room,a clear space with all the toys against the wall will suffice. A room with a lot of echo can also cause auditory distraction, and sometimes its worth it to move an activity to a smaller place.

If there are lots of adults it's a good idea to choose a corner or room or create a large semi-circle of chairs where children can gather to hear and see clearly.

Let your guests know that CircleSing! is an opportunity for children and adults to play together (I will too!)

Most children under three years of age need an older playmate to get the full CircleSing! experience - without a buddy, they're just really shy! Ideally, there is one caregiver to each child (unless they're over three where it often works better if the adults are participating from the perimeter).

Don't be concerned if your child doesn't participate, some kids think that just watching while their friends sing and dance is just fine.

Lots of things are processed inside.

For birthday kids, sometimes they don't want to be the center of attention, they often like to hang back with mom or dad for a quiet time before and during the party. Participating from a distance can often be comfortable. Participating with a close friend or caregiver is always enjoyable.

Now these are just guidelines; the bottom line is it's your party and you want everyone to have a good time. Situations are not always ideal but that doesn't mean we can't have fun.

I always do my best to make the most out of every situation;after all it's a small child's party at stake. I take that very seriously. And then I laugh lots too.

Welcome to CircleSing!:

Even the tiniest bit of encouragement goes a long, long way.
(Don't be shy! When you play, you demonstrate that its ok to play:)

A Message from the Babes and Big Kids:
Sometimes I can get a little over stimulated and I may need a breather.
(feel free to step out and rejoin as needed:)

Three ways we're learning together:
You can show me how!
(whatever Daddy can do, I can do too - if not today, then someday!)

You can help me!
(sometimes I need help to understand how parts of my body can work
if you move them for me, I can begin to figure it out)

You can watch me try!
(every accomplishment has WAY more value when I share it with those I love... things can happen spontaneously and, sometimes, only once - I'd be very sad if you missed it!)

Children benefit greatly when the Big People in their lives apply consistent and focused attention to their growth and development.

Even mundane routines can become opportunities for play and bonding when we add simple chants and songs for guidance and entertainment, and accept the gentle pleasure that arises from the completion of the simplest of tasks.

1 year olds: I've found that most parties for 1 year olds seem to have more adults than children. If the adults are very playful, CircleSing! can last a whole long time. Sometimes they're shy, so a short circle 20-30 minutes for the kids is very entertaining. Be sure to consider naps and feeding times when you're scheduling. Brunches often go well, and can be a very elegant affair (which is nice after 12 months of dealing with some kind of leaking).

2 year olds: Scheduling is very important for 2 year olds. Usually 10 - 11 am works well for a start time, or 4 - 4:30pm. Snacks just before any activity are also a good idea. 2 year olds can be very shy and the more participation by an adult close to them, the more they are able to enjoy themselves. And once they start enjoying themselves, they really like to move around! Lots of space really makes them happy. A smaller space tends to make them a little more shy and, therefore, placid.

3 year olds: 3 year olds are even bigger, and not quite so shy, so its great if you can give them a whole bunch of space. If not, you can plan for a shorter activity because the tend to get antsy and have their own ideas as opposed to those of others. Usually, 3 year old guests like to demonstrate their independence and the power of their friendships by participating without a caregiver. But don't turn around because they like to be watched! The 3 year old guest of honour can often become more shy and clingy though. They tend to get overtired from the stimulation and need someone close by to cuddle with if they start to feel messy.

4 year olds: Adult participation is not so intrinsic to a 4 year old party, but its good to have some big people around to help out with minor details and provide encouragement. 4 year olds are very adventurous and love to try new things- It is easy to keep them engaged for up to 45 minutes provided they are rested and fed and watered:p Arts and crafts also work really well at 4 year old parties - making cardboard crowns, or even shakers out of paper plates or empty plastic containers and couscous, oats, rice.

5-9 year olds: The adults are really thinning now. And Big Kids - especially being longer now - like to move big! Their coordination and ability to sing is getting really good now and they enjoy the opportunity to check that out. In the morning, that is...Afternoons work best just after snack time and can be either quite physical or quite cerebral then. Evening parties for Big Kids work when it's mostly about eating (which works, absolutely), stories and sharing. Their days are more programmed now and they tend to relax into loosness at the end of the day.