4.1 Practical ways of listening to children: circle time

Creating opportunities to listen to children is an important way of developing confidence. One example of such an opportunity is circle time.

Circle time can be used in pre-school or primary school settings and is an approach that can help children to have their voice heard in a group. Doing so can help to develop and boost children’s self-esteem.

Figure 8 Circle time

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This is a photograph of a woman and a group of children sitting in a circle.

Figure 8 Circle time

Circle time can help to foster positive and effective social relationships between children. At its heart is the time set aside to enable adults and children to join in activities that help to promote a sense of belonging within a safe emotional space where feelings can be explored and experiences shared. Circle time can help to improve children’s social and emotional skills.

In the next section, you will look at the importance of play and creativity in promoting children’s wellbeing.