Lesson 8: Circle Observation and Lesson Plan

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this lesson's material, students will be able

  • Complete the use of the anecdotal record observation technique
  • Use the anecdotal record to inform lesson planning
  • Create a lesson plan that was based on your observations
  • Reflect upon observation as a technique to gather data and improve practice
  • Explain the importance of circle time in early care settings

Teaching

Plan ahead to observe circle time in your site.  From using an anecdotal method, you will observe “circle time” and use your observations to create a lesson plan.  Your lesson plan will be implemented within that week so be sure to plan ahead. 

What is a circle time???  Circles are an ancient, universal symbol of unity and wholeness.  Circle time has been around for about a century but you have to wonder how it originated.  For longer than a century, cultures gather around to eat in a circle, dance around a fire in a circle, hold hands in a circle, etc.   For children, we have customized circle time to do weather charts, sing songs and listen to stories.  We have created that time to give all children instruction and formal education.  But what does that mean for younger children?

The base of circle time should revolve around social and emotional skills.  It IS about unity and wholeness!  It is an added bonus that you can add other developmental domains into that specific time.  Early childhood settings will often set a time to attempt a circle for infants and toddlers but set realistic expectations on the actual participation.  Often it is a song or simple finger play.  In Head Start settings they use Baby Doll Circle Time.  Although participation is not required the model sets a fun tone that children often do not want to miss out on. 

Anecdotal records are short, factual, narrative descriptions of child behaviors and skills.  They should OBJECTIVE and only a few sentences long.  A lot of early childhood programs use this technique for observation taking because it is quick allows teachers to track progress.  It also provides concrete evidence (if objective) for assessment and discussions with families.  Please see the tip sheet and provided examples for further information to assist you with your assignment.

Anecdotal records teacher tips

Three anecdotal examples

Assessment

These Lesson Plans are "Universal" in that they are used for both our face-to-face and Online course offerings. The instructions for the "Discussions" found in this section are for the Online classes only unless otherwise indicated by your Instructor.

Lesson 8 Assignment

Observation and Planning

You will be using the Anecdotal Form (pdf) (.doc) and Lesson Plan Form (pdf) (in .docx) for this assignment. Check your Lesson Plan Rubric if you need further guidance

A key component to your Practicum experience is to engage in the process of observing, planning, implementing and reflecting on lessons.

Below you will find instructions on each step of this process. During the First part of this assignment you will first, complete an observation. At the end of the observation in the space provided you will reflect upon your observation using the prompts below. You will then use this observation process to create a lesson plan. You will be using specific forms that we have created to do this.

  • Observation
    • Using the anecdotal form provided, observe children for 20 minutes who are engaged in a free play.
    • In the comments section of the anecdotal recording form, jot down specific examples of what you are observing.
    • From your observation, what do you think the children are interested in or could use more support in? 
    • What activity will you create to support that interest or skill you observed?
  • Planning
    • Create a lesson plan using the lesson plan format provided
      • Assure that the lesson plan is derived from the observation.
      • Check with your cooperating teacher and/or instructor to see if it is a good fit for your placement and determine that the plan is 1) age appropriate and 2) ties-in, or coincides with the current curriculum.

Lesson 8 Discussion

What is your stance on “Circle time” for infants and toddlers?  What do you believe the value is during this time of day?