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At SITES, we encourage families to use their many routines to promote language development and social skills. Circle time is another example of using routines to promote development in young children. If you'd like to learn more about the power of routines, see the links below:
https://www.hanen.org/Helpful-Info/Articles/Power-of-Using-Everyday-Routines.aspx
https://www.hanen.org/Helpful-Info/Articles/Make-Your-Routines-ROCK.aspx
https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/quienes-somos/articulo/importance-schedules-routines
Cirlce time routines can promote a wide variety of skills, including:
Joint attention
Imitating adults and peers
Listening skills and following directions
Choice Making
Promoting language through repetition
Turn taking
Feeling comfortable in a larger group setting
Encouraging creativity
Fine and gross motor skills
Self-awareness and an awareness of others
Greeting others
Encouraging a love of literacy and learning
Respecting others' differences
School readiness skills
Want to use some of the circle time songs and activities at home that we we do at school? Please know that any songs/activities that you're doing with your little one are wonderful; keep doing those! In case you want a reminder of how to do a few of our favorites, check out the videos below:
Shakers.movShakers
Shakers
Shakers are such a fun item for caregivers and littles one to play with together! You can use any kind of shakey egg, rattle, or make your own shaker in a bottle/can.
When playing with shakers, you can start by imiating what your baby does with them-follow their rhythm and actions.
You can sing songs with your shaker and once your little one knows the song and starts to anticipate what's coming next, you can try to pause and look expectantly to see if they will fill in the part.
Shakers lend themselves to lots of great turn taking play, imitatation, modeling action words (shake, roll, tap), labeling body parts, and modeling position concepts like in, out, high, low, in, and out.
scarves.movScarves
Scarves
Using scarves is a great way to play with your little one! You can use a wash cloth, small towel, or any small-medium light sized cloth.
When playing with scarves, you can model imitating actions, play peekaboo, tickles, and talk about body parts (i.e. put your scarf on your head), and rhythm.
RowYourBoat.movRow Your Boat
Row Your Boat
Row Your Boat is such a fun song to sign with your little one! Little ones usually love the fmailiar rhyme and the rocking motion!
Songs like Row Your Boat promote early communicate development through routine building, listening skills, anticipating what comes next, imitation, and motor development.
In addition to the regualr version, there are also other options that you and your little one might like to try as well. Check out our SITES video and the links included for more information and ideas.
The Importance of Repetition
The Importance of Repetition
You've likely noticed that our SITES circle times and other activities involve lots of repetition. This is because research tells us that repeition is crucial for the development of young children. Repetition help to promote:
Language development: With each exposure to a song, story, or action, a child has an opportunity to learn even more about what they’re trying to understand. Repetition in speech also assists with language acquisition, especially in infants. While you may find yourself singing the same songs or identifying the same objects again and again, each repetition helps solidify the noun, verb, or adjective in your child’s mind. After many repetitions, they’ll be able to sing, recite, or identify alongside you. Once children have mastered a word or phrase, it can now be used in combination with others as they continue to develop linguistic confidence.
Social/Emotional Development: While adults have the emotional capacity to adapt to changes in routine, even small variations in a child’s schedule can affect their sleeping, eating, and mood. Many parents find that establishing a daily routine can provide a soothing predictability for little ones. Having a flexible but set schedule is readily welcomed by kids of all ages. One of the best ways to do this is by selecting a warm, supportive community for daily child care.When children leave the house each day to go to their special place, it can give them a sense of belonging to see a familiar space with familiar faces. Having a “home” away from home can provide comfort and support learning outcomes for very young children.
Cognitive Development: Even as early as the turn of the century, child psychologist Lev Vygotsky posited that children inhabit a zone of proximal development (ZPD) when they are learning a new skill. As they encounter peers and caring adults who have mastered the skill, new learners can enhance their own understanding of the concept. When the child has seen and experienced enough repetition of a concept or skill, they can master it. The skills that children are gaining vary widely, including gross and fine motor skills, transitioning from babbling to using words, and pulling themselves up to cruise or walk. As they repeat gestures, sounds, and movements, children are perfecting their skills in all these areas. This mastery leads to feelings of excitement, pride, and competence.
Sources: https://www.thegardnerschool.com/blog/the-importance-of-repetition-for-young-children/ , https://www.himama.com/blog/the-importance-of-repetition-and-patterns-for-children/
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