Must-Try Tip for Center and Circle Time Activity Pieces

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Do you use letter matching games, number puzzles, or any other activities and resources with multiple pieces in your classroom? It’s totally normal to feel overwhelmed by the number of activity pieces floating around the classroom throughout even just one day but I’m here to help! This simple tip for Center Time and Circle Time activity pieces is a “must-try” for staying focused and organized in the classroom!

*For even more teacher tips and how to create a playful learning environment in your classroom, be sure to join us in P.L.A.Y. (Playful Learning All Year)!

This simple tip for Center Time and Circle Time activity pieces is a "must-try" for staying stress-free and organized in the classroom!

Must-Try Tip for Center and Circle Time Activity Pieces

Many games (or MOST of the games) we play during Circle Time have lots of pieces! Plus, our math and literacy centers are filled with puzzle pieces, rhyming matches, all the letters and numbers and more. And let’s be honest… it’s A LOT of pieces to keep track of.

But I have a simple and effective tip – start with just a few pieces and add or swap in more later!

I only set out a few matches for this rhyming game so students aren't overwhelmed.

For example…

I love to use pocket chart activities and games during Circle Time. In the beginning sound pocket chart activity below, I have just a few cards out that we will start with.

More cards are tucked away and will eventually be included.

We start with just a few beginning sound matches in this pocket chart activity and then add more.

RELATED RESOURCE: Circle Time Chants and Activities BUNDLE for Pre-K & Kindergarten

When we play alphabet puzzles or matching games in our literacy centers I do NOT put out all 26 letters. Rather, I start with just a few letters and swap them out down the road as the kids are ready for more.

This strategy makes the amount of pieces easier to clean up and keep organized, and levels up the game! You can get more use out of just one game – same game, half the cards (or less) at first, and more later on.

This makes it more fun for everyone as you aren’t overwhelming students with too many choices, and the game lasts longer!

For alphabet activities, we start with just a few letter pieces, not the whole alphabet.

Do you already use this tip, or are you going to give it a try this year? I’d love to know!

Want to stress less and learn more about how to create a “Playful Learning” environment?

(even if you “aren’t allowed to play”)

If you want to incorporate playful learning, free-flowing centers, routines, and more in your Pre-K or Kindergarten classroom, then you will want to be sure to join me in P.L.A.Y. (Playful Learning All Year)!

This course is a deep dive into practical ways that you can create a playful learning environment in your classroom!

It’s going to be awesome (you can check out more about it HERE) and I can’t wait to learn together when the virtual doors open.

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