The carpet is a central gathering place in your classroom. Lots of learning, collaboration, and discussion happen on the carpet. Students want to be heard and included when gathered on the carpet. Read for tips on how to cultivate carpet listening and sharing skills with your students.

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Carpet Community

The carpet is the hub of your classroom and an area where students will be in close proximity. You want the carpet to be a positive place where students will learn and grow. Be sure to set expectations and a positive tone at the beginning of school to build carpet community. Model for and remind students how to listen to others while they are speaking. Model and practice different ways to sit on the carpet so that all learners can participate. Reviewing and practicing these skills will help learners see themselves as part of their carpet community.

Visual Support

Encourage carpet listening and sharing skills by providing visual support and cues for students. Create an anchor chart with your students that details what will be valued while on the carpet. Display visual reminders that students can easily see when on the carpet. Some ideas to include as visual reminders are seating options and voice level scenarios.

Seating Options

We know that all students learn in their own unique way, and this is true for carpet time as well. Provide seating options for students so they feel comfortable on the carpet and can remain engaged in learning. Multiple seating options will ensure that students have the space they need and can limit distractions. Check out seating option ideas below.

• Rockers
• Inflatable seats
• Cushions
• Chairs or Yoga ball seats around the edge of the rug
• Bean bag seats
• Standing room behind those who are seated

Listening Learners

Little learners have a lot to say, and they want to be heard. How can you ensure that all learners can share and listen? This comes with routine, practice, and setting the tone. Check out the tips below to encourage listening and sharing while on the carpet.

• Talking Stick – Use a pointer, toy microphone, wand, etc. as a talking stick. Students use the stick when they are sharing on the carpet. Other students recognize the talking stick as a time to listen to the person who is actively sharing.
• Sit on the rug with your students. Students are encouraged and easier to keep engaged when their teacher is on their level.
• Accountability Listening – Encourage students to share a compliment, ask a question, or share a thought they had while someone was speaking on the carpet. This provides accountability for students to listen as others are speaking.

Sharing Learners

• Morning Meetings – This is a great time to sing a song, read a book, and give students time to share what’s on their minds. You can ask specific questions for students to answer about life outside of school or complete an icebreaker.
• Collaboration – Break into small groups and partner sets while on the carpet. Some students are more comfortable sharing in a smaller group setting.
• Short & Sweet – Attention spans for little learners must be considered and know that flexibility is a must!
• Voice Level Scenarios – Establish voice levels for different learning scenarios while on the carpet. This can be done with a rating scale that is used as a visual or a voice-level traffic light. Voice levels for independent sharing, partner/small group work, singing, and chanting will vary while on the carpet so establish these expectations early.

How do you establish and encourage carpet listening and sharing skills? Let us know! Please make sure to tag us on Instagram here or share inside the Simply Kinder Teacher Facebook Group here.