Animal Yoga Wake-Up
Lead five animal poses while children copy and name each animal.
Key stageEYFS
Duration5 mins
Materials
- • None
5 mins
EYFS Circle Time Games
Short EYFS circle time games for settling, turn-taking, and language practice with movement, sorting, and story prompts.
EYFSClassroom GamesPrep: None5-15 mins
Need a full week of classroom ideas?
Use the Teacher Weekly Planner to build a Monday–Friday plan with games, printables, and backup activities.
Use the Teacher Weekly PlannerQuick facts
Key stagesEYFS
Prep timeNone
Lesson time5-15 mins
Printable supportAvailable
Resource typeClassroom Games
Classroom ideas
Activities to try
Feelings Circle Pass
Pass a soft toy; each child shares a colour or feeling from the wheel.
Key stageEYFS
Duration8 mins
Materials
- • Feelings colour wheel
- • Soft toy
8 mins
Story Dice Prompt
Roll story dice and build a shared oral story around the circle.
Key stageEYFS
Duration10 mins
Materials
- • Story dice template or dice
10 mins
Planning tips
Make the week easier
Practise the stop signal before starting energetic games.
Seat adults between children who need proximity support.
Repeat favourite games so children learn expectations quickly.
Linked activities
Related at-home activities you can adapt for the classroom.
Five-Minute Animal Yoga
Copy cat, dog, snake, and tree poses for a quick calm movement break.
Age3-8
Duration5-15m
CostFree
Ages 3–85–15 minsFreeIndoor/outdoorRainy day
Calm Colour Sorting
Sort household objects by colour for a quiet, sensory-friendly activity.
Age2-6
Duration10-25m
CostFree
Ages 2–610–25 minsFreeindoorRainy day
Rainy Day Story Dice
Roll picture dice to invent silly stories when UK weather keeps everyone indoors — a calm literacy game for primary children.
Age4-10
Duration15-30m
CostFree
Ages 4–1015–30 minsFreeindoorRainy day
Feelings Colour Wheel
Use a colour wheel to talk about emotions and calming strategies.
Age4-10
Duration15-25m
CostFree
Ages 4–1015–25 minsFreeindoorPrintable
Linked printables
Printable classroom resources linked to this guide.
Worksheet
Ages 4–10Free1 pagesClassroom
Feelings Colour Wheel
A printable colour wheel to support talking about emotions and calming strategies.
Age4-10
Pages1
Worksheet
Ages 4–10Free2 pagesRainy day
Story Dice Template
Printable story dice prompts for creative speaking games on rainy days.
Age4-10
Pages2
Phonics
Ages 4–7Free6 pagesClassroom
Phonics Game Cards
Printable phonics sound cards for quick reading games, movement activities, and KS1 classroom warm-ups at home or school.
Age4-7
Pages6
Circle time that holds attention
Keep one clear objective per game: listening, naming feelings, or taking turns. Sit in a true circle, use a talking object, and finish before restlessness builds.
FAQs
Common questions
How long should EYFS circle time last?
Five to fifteen minutes is usually enough. End while engagement is still high.
Explore more
Adaptation note
Adapt each activity based on class size, age, ability, available space, school policy, and individual needs.
Related resources
More teacher resources
