Praising the children that are behaving the way you want works too. "Oh thank you Johnny. You are sitting so quietly, criss cross apple sauce." You might have to go through the entire class a few times as they are calming down and paying attention, but soon it gets quicker and you don't have to recognize everyone each time.

A finger or hand puppet can help too. "Friends, I have someone special I want you to meet. Now we need to be very quiet so we don't scare him..."

Good luck and let us know what ends up working best for you!

Posted by connie
Anything with clapping and chanting a rhyme to come to order will work, but it has to be taught for a day or so. I start by clapping

Everybody have a seat on the rug
Everybody have a seat on the rug
Not on the ceiling (pointing up)
NOT on the door(pointing to door)
Everybody have a seat on the floor.

Ignore the ones still standing and give praise or incentive to ones sitting, after about 2 or 3 times all will be sitting. QUICKLY get attention with book or music or visuals work great for me, anything you can get showing kids doing will get their attention, I download and blow up clipart and we start by talking about what I have on the picture, it is always related to something we are learning or holiday themed. No idle time for little ones, you have to have everything you need when you sit down or you will lose them. Been doing this 7 years with sp. ed. students 3-4 year olds. Good luck!

Posted by pksped
I sing this song:

Clap your hands (clapping)
stomp your feet (stomping)
wiggle jiggle jiggle, to the beat (wiggle)
Are you ready, to hear a story?
Are you ready to hear a story?

Usually by the foot part, most children have joined in. I also substitute other endings: are you ready to sing a song, are you ready to be good listeners, etc.

I also break out the hand stamp if necessary. I stamp those who are sitting appropriately, complimenting them so everyone can hear.

Posted by anon
Bo wrote: “Should two year olds be expected to do circletime? I don't think I would do it with under threes. If I did it with this age, my expectations would be very different.”

I completely agree with Bo that kids under 3 should NOT be expected to sit for any length of time in a group. It is an unrealistic expectation for most children that age. Books should be read with one or two children at a time and only if they show an interest. When they are no longer interested you shouldn't make them stay. Their attention span is too short. Also, calendar is highly inappropriate for anyone under the age of 5 or 6. It has no meaning to them and I would stop immediately. If you want to do things that are engaging, try following their lead. Watch to see what interests them and bring in materials to support what you see. Incorporate as much hands-on exploration as possible. Finger-painting, sand and water play, crayons and BLANK paper (not coloring sheets), blocks, puzzles, and dramatic play will allow them the freedom they need to learn. Materials should always be as open-ended as possible. Toys that can be used only one way will not hold their attention for long. Take them outside and let them run and climb and throw a ball. Let them get dirty. Play music and give them scarves, rhythm sticks, or shakers and just let them dance.