Keeping the Singing Circle

During my Christmas break, I have been reading a book in which the author tells about the various meanings of different shapes. She says that the circle represents love. As I reflected on this (I definitely like circles as my shape of choice). I was thinking about my classes.

I sing a song about making a circle, keep singing it until we have formed a circle, and insist that we keep the circle at various times in the class. Why do I do that? I won't stand for anything less than a singing circle. Neat rows of children and parents just won't do! It has to be a circle! Why?

I have noticed in my classes, that when we keep the singing circle we all socialize much easier. We can see each other's faces as we play together. We form a small community. It simply just feels better all around. It helps us to connect with each other and celebrate being human! We can see each child and parent bonding in love. This is very inspiring to be a part of!

Think about it. When you get together for a birthday party or other family gathering, don't you all stand around the birthday child in a circle as if to encircle him/her in the love of those present? Imagine if you all sat in nice rows to sing happy birthday. It would feel completely different.

So, in Kindermusik class, we are going to sing the "Let's make a circle" song and keep the singing circle at the appropriate times. I would like to think that I am contributing in a small way to your family life in helping to create an environment in which you are free to play in love with your child. Also, I would like to think that I am making a small contribution to society at large by helping to form children who will grow up to understand something about what community means.

So, LET'S MAKE A CIRCLE, CIRCLE, CIRCLE. LET'S MAKE A CIRCLE. A CIRCLE OF FRIENDS!!!!