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Often raucous and always interactive! Click the calendar to see when I might be available to sing and play at your event! please allow 10 seconds for details to load. (tips for making your party a huge success!) Circles range between 30 and 45 minutes long depending on the energy of your party people and the suitability of the party space.
Schedule activities for 30 minutes after the beginning of the party, or
45 minutes after food is served (if you're serving lunch or dinner). This gives the children time to transition into the environment.
Choose or create a space to play in.
It should be as clear of furniture and toys as possible.
Especially in very large rooms, it is helpful to define a play area with
a semi-circle of chairs and/or other furniture.
Avoid play spaces near
sharp corners of tables, fireplaces, wall finishings, etc...
Older children tend to prefer play spaces that are separate from the adult party area. Younger children prefer it if everyone plays along. You may want to designate an area (buffet tables are popular:) away from the show for adults who are involved in alternate activities and/or conversations. Background noise and visual distraction (especially those of human form) makes it hard for the children to really focus on all the sometimes new and always exciting sounds and movements that I'm demonstrating. This can be frustrating for them and limit their ability (and even their desire!) to enjoy the show.
1 year:
2 years: 3 years: Often, 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 - especially by the people that matter most!The 3 year old guest of honour can often become more shy and clingy though - needing the steady security of a loved one to really enjoy the festivities. They can get overtired from the stimulation and need someone to cuddle with if they start to feel messy. 3 year olds can often be in a complicated place, socially, and tend to be a little higher maintenance, overall.
4 years: The adults are thinning now as children begin to really enjoy exploring their own ideas and power in the group. And Big Kids - especially being longer now - like to move big! Their coordination and ability to acquire melodies and movement is a lot more fluid and they tend to like to be seen strutting their stuff. In the morning, that is...Mid-mornings are most preferable. Afternoon and Evening parties for Big Kids work especially for larger events and scheduled shortly after dinner or snack. Loud, lively and absurd, this kind of party gives everyone an opportunity to shake their sillies out at the end of a long day. Alternatively: a smaller, quieter event with a focus on storytelling and game playing can also be quite enjoyable. At this age, days are more filled with programming and they tend to prefer to relax into a greater autonomy as it ends. Children are obsessed with learning...they even like to learn while they're having fun! Even at a party, children are constantly putting their skills and knowledge to the test, whether its listing off all the species of dinosaur he knows or her jumping off two cushions instead of one or, even, finally figuring out how to clap your hands...children are eager to grow and CircleSing! is the perfect blend of lively entertainment and skill development.
More Perfect Party Protocol Plan your circle at least a 30 minutes after arrival or 45 minutes after food is served.
A clear space helps the children focus on the activity and avoid frustration; remove toys (especially noisy toys) or other distractions We can even make that part of the activities at hand! Battery operated noise/music making toys? It's a good idea to turn them off and/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 room if possible - if not, we can modify the activities which may, however, shorten the program.
Let your guests know ahead of time 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. 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 too concerned if your child doesn't participate, some kids feel most comfortable and happy watching while their friends sing and dance and get crazy. Lots of joy is processed on the inside. Parents should listen closely to these children - many have a tendency to give clues in sly twitchy fingers and feet and short, whispered bursts of song...don't be concerned but know that many of these children with clues are really hoping for some encouragement and support in to help them step out onto the road towards group play.
For birthday kids; sometimes they don't want to be the centre of attention. They can prefer 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 most enjoyable. Situations are not always ideal but there is fun to be had everywhere! I always do my best to make the most out of every situation; after all it's a child's party at stake.
The CircleSing! Experience for the First Five Years Crowd We apply our consistent attention to their activities so children feel secure in the knowledge that what they are learning is valuable and enjoyable to the people they care about most. Even (and, sometimes, especially) the most mundane routines can become opportunities for play, bonding, growth and development. When we turn these routines into games; when we add simple chants and songs for guidance and entertainment; when we relax into the moment we can all accept the gentle pleasure that arises from the completion of the simplest of tasks. Messages passed on to you, through me, from the Babes and the Big Kids that help us get the most value out of a CircleSing! Experience: There are three main ways we're playing to learn: "You can show me how!
"You can help me!
If you tap out a rhythm on my knee or my back; or if you move in time to a song, it's a lot easier for me to figure out what's going on so I can play too."
"You can watch me try! Also... "Sometimes I can get a little over stimulated
"Listen to me carefully and watch me closely.
You never know what I might want to learn! Or what YOU might learn from ME!
Pay close and careful attention to my actions and reactions for clues about what I'm ready for next; physically, mentally and emotionally." In this way, you can help me learn how to listen carefully too."
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