My Favorite Things Circle

Week 1 Activity - Detailed Instructions

Learning Objectives

Students will practice speaking in front of a group
Students will learn about similarities and differences among classmates
Students will develop listening skills and respect for others' sharing

Materials Needed

Circle time carpet or designated area
Special sharing chair or cushion
Chart paper and markers
Camera for documentation

Preparation Steps

1Send home a note asking families to help children choose 3 favorite things to share
2Prepare a chart with categories (foods, activities, colors, etc.)
3Set up the circle area with clear boundaries
4Prepare your own favorite things to model sharing

Step-by-Step Instructions

Gather students in a circle and explain the sharing rules

Model by sharing your own three favorite things first

Invite each student to share one favorite thing at a time

Record responses on chart paper by category

Encourage questions and comments from other students

Look for connections between students' favorites

End by celebrating the variety of favorites in the class

Assessment

Note students' comfort level with public speaking
Observe listening behaviors during others' sharing
Document the variety of interests represented
Assess students' ability to ask appropriate questions

Teaching Tips

Keep sharing time manageable - consider doing this over several days
Use a talking stick or special object to indicate whose turn it is
Celebrate both similarities and differences you notice
Take photos of students sharing to create a documentation display

Extension Activities

Additional ways to extend and enrich this learning experience

1
Create graphs showing class favorites in different categories
2
Write a class book about 'Our Favorite Things'
3
Plan activities based on popular class favorites
4
Invite family members to share their favorite things too

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Discussion

30 minutes

Whole group circle