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Reference SheetsChapter 17: Closing Circle and Dismissal

Opening and Closing Songs

A collection of opening and closing songs from Storytime Katie — perfect for bookending your school day.

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Opening and Closing Songs

This collection from Storytime Katie provides opening and closing songs perfect for bookending your school day. Songs create predictable, joyful transitions that signal the beginning and end of community time.

Why Songs Work

  • They create a predictable ritual that helps students feel safe
  • They engage multiple senses and pathways for learning
  • They build a shared classroom culture and sense of belonging
  • A song that opens the day can be mirrored by one that closes it, creating symmetry

Related Resources

Engagement Games

A collection of 12 interactive engagement and closing circle games for the early childhood classroom.

Reference SheetsChapter 10

Developmental Milestone Chart

Responsive Classroom's Yardsticks developmental milestone chart for elementary school — a reference for understanding what is age-appropriate.

Reference SheetsChapter 10

Choice Greeting Routine

An Instagram video showing a choice greeting routine in action during morning meeting.

VideosChapter 10

Sample 30-Minute Phonics Block

A ready-to-use time-blocked lesson plan for a 30-minute student-centered phonics block.

Templates & Lesson PlansChapter 12