Rethinking Circle Time: Prioritizing Personal, Social, and Emotional Development (PSED)

Personal, Social, and Emotional Development (PSED) in Circle Time: Are We Truly Using Circle Time Effectively?

Every morning, across schools worldwide, children gather in circle time. It’s a familiar sight: kids sitting in a circle, reviewing the date, singing songs, and discussing the weather. But stop for a moment and ask yourself—Is this enough? Are these routines genuinely serving the developmental needs of young children? Or are we just going through the motions without tapping into the full potential of this powerful time?

This article challenges school heads, teachers, and decision-makers to pause and reflect. Is circle time truly being used to its fullest? Are we missing the mark by focusing on routines rather than nurturing children’s personal, social, and emotional growth? As we explore the transformative potential of Personal, Social, and Emotional Development (PSED) in circle time, let’s first take a closer look at what’s really happening in these sessions.

The Reality of Circle Time: What Are Schools Really Doing?

In countless classrooms, circle time is often predictable, safe, and comforting. But is it transformative? Let’s take a typical look:

• Calendar Review: Children discuss the day of the week, the weather, and maybe even the month. Sure, they learn about time and seasons, but is this really challenging their emotional or social intelligence?
• Songs and Rhymes: Engaging, yes, but most songs focus on actions, numbers, or alphabets rather than fostering deep conversations about feelings or relationships.
• Basic Literacy and Math: These activities teach cognitive skills, but again, they miss out on opportunities to explore emotional expression, conflict resolution, or empathy. Key PSED Topics Often Missed in Circle Time
• A global review of foundation year classrooms found that several important PSED aspects are frequently neglected:
• 35% of schools do not focus on emotional expression.
• 30% of schools fail to include conflict resolution.

• 20% of schools miss opportunities for empathy building.

These are important routines. But as educators, we need to ask, is that all circle time should be? Does your circle time help children navigate their emotions? Does it encourage them to express themselves, understand others, or solve conflicts peacefully?

?Are We Truly Meeting Children’s Developmental Needs?

When we dig deeper, we realize something essential is missing. Personal, Social, and Emotional Development (PSED)—the core of a child’s ability to thrive emotionally, socially, and intellectually—often gets sidelined.

Here are some questions for reflection:

• Are your students developing emotional intelligence? Can they name their feelings and understand others'?
• Are they learning to manage conflicts? Or are disagreements brushed under the carpet?
• Do they know how to self-regulate? Or are they quick to frustration and outbursts?

These questions can make us uncomfortable, and rightly so. Because if your circle time isn’t addressing these areas, your students are missing out on the key building blocks that will help them succeed, not just academically, but in life.

The Shift: Why PSED Should Be the Heart of Circle Time

Now, let’s talk about Personal, Social, and Emotional Development (PSED)—and why it should be central to every circle time. PSED is more than just an educational framework; it’s the foundation of a child’s ability to relate to others, manage their emotions, and thrive in challenging environments.

Why is PSED so important?

• Emotional Regulation: Children learn how to recognize and manage their own emotions. They develop resilience, which is crucial for facing life’s challenges.
• Social Skills: From empathy to teamwork, PSED equips children to build meaningful relationships and work collaboratively.
• Self-Awareness: PSED encourages children to reflect on their own strengths, weaknesses, and values, creating confident and independent individuals.

Research shows that children who develop strong PSED skills are more likely to excel academically, socially, and emotionally. A study by the Harvard Center on the Developing Child indicates that PSED is directly linked to improved long-term outcomes:

• 11% improvement in academic performance.
• 45% better social skills.
• 30% increase in emotional regulation

The Cost of Neglecting PSED: What Happens When We Don’t Focus on Social-Emotional Growth?

So, what happens when schools don’t prioritize PSED? The consequences are significant:

• Behavioral Issues: Children struggle with self-control, leading to disruptions in the classroom.
• Poor Academic Performance: Emotional dysregulation often translates into poor focus and lower academic achievement.
• Difficulty Forming Relationships: Without empathy or social skills, children struggle to make and maintain friendships.

Global research from the OECD and American Academy of Paediatrics confirms this: children without strong PSED foundations are more likely to experience mental health challenges, difficulty in social settings, and academic underperformance. This pie chart highlights the significant benefits of PSED based on global research. For instance, there is an 11% improvement in academic performance, 45% better social skills, 15% increased empathy, and 30% improvement in emotional regulation when schools focus on PSED.

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What Should Circle Time Really Look Like?

Imagine a different kind of circle time, one where:

• Children begin by sharing how they feel that day, developing emotional awareness.
• Teachers guide students through role-playing scenarios to teach empathy and conflict resolution.
• Storytime becomes an opportunity for children to explore characters’ emotions and reflect on their own behaviour.

This isn’t a dream—it’s what circle time should be. PSED-focused circle time can transform a simple daily routine into a life-changing opportunity for emotional growth, empathy, and social understanding.

Moving Beyond Routine: Questions for School Leaders

As a school leader or educator, consider:

• Are we focusing too much on cognitive skills during circle time and neglecting emotional growth?
• Do our teachers have the tools they need to guide children through social-emotional learning?
• How can we reimagine circle time to truly benefit our students' holistic development?

If your circle time sessions are missing these critical elements, you are not alone—but it’s time for a shift.

Key PSED Guidelines in NEP 2020

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 introduced by the Indian government is a landmark shift in how education is perceived, especially in the foundational years. It emphasizes not only academic excellence but also the holistic development of children, with a strong focus on Personal, Social, and Emotional Development (PSED).

Here’s a deeper look at how NEP 2020 addresses PSED and the broader vision it sets for children’s overall development:

1. Holistic Development as the Core Objective

The NEP 2020 envisions a well-rounded educational experience that goes beyond traditional cognitive skills. It acknowledges that emotional and social intelligence are just as important as academic success. Therefore, schools are required to focus on:

?? Life skills: Including emotional regulation, resilience, empathy, and problem-solving.

?? Ethics and values: Teaching children to be compassionate, responsible citizens.

?? Social and emotional health: Promoting mental well-being and a supportive learning environment.

1. Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Framework the NEP outlines the ECCE framework, designed for children aged 3-6, with a specific emphasis on play-based and activity-based learning. This framework includes:

?? Encouraging children to express their emotions and feelings.

?? Engaging in group activities that promote cooperation, teamwork, and empathy.

?? Mindfulness and self-regulation activities, which help children manage emotions and build resilience.

Are you meeting the NEP’s call for holistic education, or is your circle time stuck in routine? It’s time to ask the hard questions and make the necessary changes.

Case Study: MindUP in New Zealand

MindUP, a social-emotional learning program integrated into New Zealand's early childhood education system, offers a successful example of how PSED can transform circle time. The program teaches mindfulness, emotional regulation, and gratitude, using structured activities during circle time to help children navigate their feelings and interactions.

Impact:

• Improved Emotional Regulation: Teachers reported significant reductions in anxiety and behavioural issues among children.
• Enhanced Social Skills: Children became more empathetic and showed a noticeable decrease in conflicts.
• Better Focus: Children who participated in MindUP circle time displayed greater concentration during academic lessons.

Key Takeaway: Programs like MindUP make circle time not just a daily routine, but an emotionally enriching experience that supports both social and cognitive growth.

How to Transform Circle Time with PSED

1. Teacher Training: Educators need to be equipped with the skills to facilitate emotional discussions, empathy-building, and conflict resolution. Without proper training, PSED will remain an afterthought.
2. Structured SEL Programs: Adopt proven social-emotional learning programs like PATHS or Second Step, which provide structured activities to develop children’s emotional and social skills.
3. Continuous Reflection: Create a culture of reflection within the classroom. Encourage children to share their feelings, reflect on their behaviours, and discuss what they could do differently next time.
4. Family Involvement: Engage families in their child’s PSED development by encouraging them to reinforce emotional skills at home.

Let’s Rethink Circle Time Together: A Call for Consultation

This is not just a shift in practice—it’s a shift in mindset. Schools that truly prioritize PSED in circle time are investing in the emotional, social, and academic future of their students. If you’re ready to rethink your approach to circle time, we are here to help.

Contact us for a consultation and let’s work together to transform your circle time into a space for real emotional and social growth.

Conclusion: The Future of Circle Time is Holistic

PSED isn’t just an add-on—it’s essential for creating emotionally intelligent, socially competent, and resilient individuals. Schools that prioritize PSED in circle time are preparing children not just for academic success, but for life.

If your circle time doesn’t currently focus on social-emotional learning, now is the time to make a change. Reach out for a consultation and let us help you transform your approach to early childhood education, making circle time a meaningful experience for every child.

Are you ready to make the change?

Sources:

·???????? OECD Survey on Social and Emotional Skills (SSES) 2023

·???????? Harvard Centre on the Developing Child: Research on SEL and academic outcomes.

·???????? American Academy of Pediatrics: PSED and mental health