Toddler won't do "circle time"

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m surprised multiple people are recommending Tinkergarten. Maybe our local instructor is lousy but we did a trial class and it was AWFUL. We sat for 10m circle times multiple times—for the boring story to kick things off and then to discuss experiences after. Parents had to verbally participate with insights, the actual activities—while structured so kids could do their own thing—were way too long. I’ve never been so bored and desperate to get out of a toddler activity and it’s only made worse by the fact that it’s outside rain or shine. I decided I’d much rather wander through a park on my own schedule with my toddler than pay $20 a class for us to wander on someone else’s agenda.

Exactly this. Take your kid to the park! Let her explore. She has lots of time in her life to sit in circle time, a not-even-2-year-old does not *need* to learn how to sit nicely at circle time.

[Anonymous]

Twos teacher here: circle time for kids this young has to be super short, and/or you have to expect that kids will wander some. Their attention spans are so brief at this age. As I teacher I am fine with kids not sitting in the circle, hanging back and playing quietly. If they are loud and running through the middle of it, I would want another adult to reign them in a bit, so that those who are focused can stay focused.

Circle time for young kids work better when they are active: we do movement songs with hand and body motions for the kids to do, that helps channel the wiggling energy. And we end it quickly - 10 minutes!

If your child won't sit for the circle time but is still watching/listening, she could be getting something out of it. Some kids prefer to watch than participate. Or, if its just not working, fine to leave. In time, she should be ready to settle down for (short) activities like this. Good luck in finding an activity that suits your child.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a child who is just under the age of 2. We have signed up for a range of fun activities- dance, MyGym, music classes, etc. to keep her busy. All of these classes are specifically geared toward her age group.

We did a first round of classes last week, and she absolutely refuses to sit for circle time, or sit at times when all the parents/kids are supposed to be sitting in a circle and participating for various activities. She likes to explore and run around. And, to some surprise, she seems to be the only child of this age who isn't enjoying circle time. Seriously, out of three classes last week, she was the only one running around and not wanting to sit. She is definitely a spirited child, and I have two older kids who were also spirited, so my expectations were not that high when it came to thinking she would just sit there and go along with the flow of the class. But I'm also frustrated that the teachers in these classes keep telling me to make her sit down when really I can't, in spite of my best efforts. When I go to get her, she throws temper tantrums in the circle or screams, because she wants to stand, walk around, observe outside of the circle, and what not. When I let her do what she wants, she mostly stands at a distance, wants to climb on chairs for observers, and comes in and out of being in the circle.

Should I cut my losses and go ahead and quit these classes? I don't want to be disruptive to the classes, but I also think it's a little unfair for the classes to be so strict about her staying on my lap or sitting for an hour when she wants to move around. Please no harsh remarks about this. I'm already feeling judged, and stuck because I've spent money for classes that don't seem to get her style.

Was there one class the she/you liked better? If so, keep that one, drop all the others. It's a combination of maturity and practice. Kids learn to adapt to expectations. Now, there is no need to practice this in three different classes. But, I would keep one class and see how it goes.

[Anonymous]

I don't think there is anything wrong with your child -- she is not even 2! My kid could barely sit in circle time at ages 3 and 4, but I just observed him in K (which he just started) and there he was, sitting, participating, raising his hand and waiting to be called on! It takes time. The fact that others are doing it means nothing. The kids who are doing it are probably naturally compliant; the parents of the kids who are not didn't sign up or they dropped out, figuring out quickly that this class did not work for their child.

[Anonymous]

Good for your DD! She sounds awesome.

And yeah, I would just quit. Find a play group that doesn't require strict obedience from 2 year-olds.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't understand why every free little kids activity has to be a story time. Seriously most little kids can't sit still or listen to stories like that. Mine oldest couldn't do it till almost 3.5.

Because a story is free. Gym and play equipment isn't.

My DD has really, really liked story time at the library since maybe 2. She loves being read to. We've always read for 30 min a night and she gets into the books now at 3. My younger DS can't stand books or story time. He cries when we try to read to him so we started reading to him while he's in the bathtub and he loves that. He's more into singing too.

[Anonymous]

Keep cajoling and trying to keep her interested. When she tries to get away, stand up and pick her up to watch the activities. All my kids had to be taught to sit and share the focus (which is the point).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There’s nothing to understand. Your kid isn’t ready for these classes. Stop going. It’s that simple.

Take her to a playground instead. You’ll both be happier.

Exactly!

[Anonymous]

OP - my first DS was like this. I always signed up for a trial class with him first, saw if it would work, and then never came back if it didn't.

I remember his first soccer class at 3, he literally just ran around the grass entertaining himself for 45 minutes. I didn't continue the lessons, but 6 months later, he asked to try again, and now he participates beautifully, follows directions etc.

It won't last forever!

Also, some advice... Please leave classes where your child is being a disturbance. Sometimes it takes 1 kid to "misbehave" (saying in quotes because at this age I don't think it's really intentional misbehaving) and then all the other ones want to follow!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m surprised multiple people are recommending Tinkergarten. Maybe our local instructor is lousy but we did a trial class and it was AWFUL. We sat for 10m circle times multiple times—for the boring story to kick things off and then to discuss experiences after. Parents had to verbally participate with insights, the actual activities—while structured so kids could do their own thing—were way too long. I’ve never been so bored and desperate to get out of a toddler activity and it’s only made worse by the fact that it’s outside rain or shine. I decided I’d much rather wander through a park on my own schedule with my toddler than pay $20 a class for us to wander on someone else’s agenda.

Exactly this. Take your kid to the park! Let her explore. She has lots of time in her life to sit in circle time, a not-even-2-year-old does not *need* to learn how to sit nicely at circle time.

I admittedly was one of those people and retract based on your statement! I probably shouldn't have mentioned it because we haven't been, but the other poster had and I thought another mom told me it was focused on unstructured play/creativity/exploration. I HAVE attended free forest school and definitely think it would be appropriate and fun for ops kid if it's helpful for her own day to have some "structured" activities aka a place to be somewhere and have interaction with other parents/kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:^ I don't think this is it. All three of the kids are "spirited”

Nanny here- I’ve cared for lots of ‘spirited’ kids who only seem to behave like that with their parents. I’m strict and have rules, and the kids are excellent with me. Maybe tell your child they need to sit and if they won’t, you leave? Natural consequences.