Circle Time, as it came to be called, was not really a part of Montessori’s approach. What is being referred to here is a whole group gathering at the beginning of the class time and/or again at the end as well. Often this gathering is to “give lessons, read a book, sing.” Lessons at the Casa level are primarily individual lessons, with some small group lessons (3-4 children) who may be ready for the same presentation or interested in some spoken language activity. I find it hard to believe that there is a book that is equally appealing to a 3-year-old and a 5.5-year-old. Additionally, if a small group is formed to do some singing, children who continue to work may sing along as well but may not choose to join the group.

If there is a special occasion, e.g., a class visitor, a celebration, the whole group may be gathered at some point but for no more than 5 minutes or so. Sometimes there needs to be a class reminder of a Grace and Courtesy lesson. Additionally, Walking on the Line is often a whole group activity – but this is an active activity in which each individual participates at their own level of expertise. 

Children often arrive in the morning with an idea of what they would like to work on. If they are forced to sit for a long, whole class lesson, boredom often sets in. When boredom sets in, the group presentation often evolves into a discipline session for those children who are bored or who cannot sit still for 30 minutes. Our approach has not changed as it has always focused on individual lessons rather than gathering all the children for lessons.