#258: How to Have a Great Circle Time with Saira Remtulla

<p>In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla Ward sits down with Saira Remtulla, Ontario Certified Teacher and founder of Connected Start, for a conversation about rethinking circle time in early learning.</p><p>Circle time can be one of the most powerful opportunities for connection in an early learning program, but only when we’re clear about why we’re gathering in the first place.</p><p>Carla and Saira talk about the difference between entertaining children and genuinely engaging them, why participation doesn’t always look like sitting still, the importance of flexibility and intentionality, and what can happen when circle time becomes less about getting through the plan and more about creating a shared experience.</p><p>They also explore educator confidence, following children’s interests, the role of songs, rhymes and repetition, and why connection needs to come before content.</p><p>Whether you love circle time, avoid it, or have been wondering if it still belongs in early learning, this conversation will have you thinking differently about what gathering together can be.</p><p><strong>SAIRA REMTULLA</strong></p><p>Saira Remtulla is an Ontario Certified Teacher with over 19 years of experience, specializing in early years education. Her work is grounded in fostering connection, creativity, and meaningful learning experiences for young children. As the Founder of Connected Start, Saira has developed joyful, hands-on programming for children from birth to age four, that sparks curiosity, supports emotional development, and lays the foundation for lifelong learning. Saira is committed to empowering early years centres with accessible, high-quality resources that enrich their programs and strengthen the communities they serve.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>LINKS</strong></p><p><strong>Website</strong>: <a href="http://www.connectedstart.ca"><u>www.connectedstart.ca</u></a> </p><p><strong>Instagram: </strong>@<a href="https://www.instagram.com/connectedstart/"><u>connectedstart</u></a> &amp; @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/learnwithmssaira/"><u>learnwithmssaira</u></a></p><p><strong>LinkedIn: </strong><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/saira-remtulla/"><u>Saira Remtulla</u></a></p><p><br></p><p><strong>SUBSCRIBE &amp; REVIEW</strong></p><p>If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps us reach more ECEs who are in the thick of it!. Thanks for tuning in to The Everything ECE.  See you next week!</p><p><br></p><p><strong>CONNECT WITH CARLA</strong></p><p><strong>Email Newsletter:</strong> ⁠⁠<a href="https://early-learning-foundations.kit.com/b0fcdc38a5"><u>Click Here⁠</u></a><u> </u></p><p><strong>Website:</strong><a href="http://elfoundations.com"> </a><a href="http://carlatheece.com"><u>carlatheece.com</u></a></p><p><strong>Instagram:</strong> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/carlatheece"><u>@carlatheece</u></a></p><p><br></p>