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Circle Time: An Exploratory Study of Activities and Challenging Behavior in Head Start Classrooms

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Abstract

The purpose of this descriptive study was to examine circle time activities in eight Head Start classrooms. A total of 7 h of observations occurred in eight classrooms. Songs and academic activities were the most frequently occurring activities. Challenging behavior during circle time also was examined. The three activities with the highest frequency of challenging behavior were roll call, discussion, and calendar routines. Limitations of the study along with implications for research and practice are presented.

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Acknowledgment

This manuscript was made possible by grant number 90YD0119 from the Office of Head Start and Child Care Bureau, Administration on Children, Youth and Families, US Department of Health and Human Services. The contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not represent the official views or policies of the funding agency, nor does publication in any way constitute an endorsement by the funding agency.

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Correspondence to Hasan Y. Zaghlawan.

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Zaghlawan, H.Y., Ostrosky, M.M. Circle Time: An Exploratory Study of Activities and Challenging Behavior in Head Start Classrooms. Early Childhood Educ J 38, 439–448 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-010-0431-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-010-0431-z

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