The yarning circle is one of the oldest and most powerful communication practices in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. At its heart, it's beautifully simple: a group of people sitting together in a circle, taking turns to speak and listen with respect. For early childhood educators, it translates into one of the richest group-time formats you can offer — and it takes just a few intentional steps to get right.

This guide walks you through the what, why, and how of setting up a yarning circle in your room — whether you're working with toddlers, preschoolers, or a mixed-age group.

What is a yarning circle?

Yarning is a culturally grounded form of conversation used across many Aboriginal communities. It's characterised by equal voice, deep listening, and respect for each speaker. In a yarning circle, there is no hierarchy — everyone is equally valued. A talking object (sometimes called a talking stick or yarning stone) is passed around the circle, and only the person holding it speaks.

In an early childhood setting, this translates into a structured group-time experience that builds listening skills, community, turn-taking, and a genuine sense of belonging — all directly aligned with EYLF Outcome 2.

Setting up your space

The physical environment matters. A yarning circle works best when children are seated at the same level in a true circle — no rows, no carpet squares facing a whiteboard. Here's what to consider:

• The rug: A large, round or oval rug anchors the space and signals to children that this is a special, purposeful gathering place. Indigenous-designed rugs add a layer of cultural meaning that reinforces the practice itself.
• The talking object: Choose something meaningful and tactile — a smooth stone, a handmade object, or a culturally significant item. It should feel special to hold.
• Furniture: Low seating or floor-level gathering is ideal. If you have a yarning circle table and stools, this works beautifully for smaller groups of 4–8 children.
• Signage: A simple poster or visual prompt near the space reminds children (and relieving staff) of the yarning circle rules.

Running your first yarning circle

Keep it short, especially at the start. Ten to fifteen minutes is plenty for 3–5 year olds. Here's a simple structure to follow:

1. Gather and settle. Invite children to sit in the circle. Use a consistent signal — a soft chime, a song, or simply the act of placing the talking object in the centre. This signals that something special is about to happen.
2. Acknowledge Country. Open with a simple, age-appropriate Acknowledgement of Country. Even two sentences said consistently becomes meaningful to children over time.
3. Introduce the talking object. Explain (or remind) children: "Only the person holding this gets to speak. Everyone else is a deep listener." Model what deep listening looks like — eyes on the speaker, body still, heart open.
4. Pass and share. Begin with a simple, open prompt: "Tell us one thing that made you smile today." Pass the object around the circle. Children who don't want to speak can pass — that's always okay.
5. Close with intention. End each yarning circle the same way. A simple closing — "Thank you for your words and your listening" — gives the practice a sense of ritual and respect.

Prompts by age group

Tailor your yarning circle topics to where your children are developmentally:

• 2–3 years: "What's your favourite animal?" / "Show us something you love."
• 3–4 years: "What are you looking forward to today?" / "How are you feeling right now?"
• 4–5 years: "What's something you know how to do that you'd like to teach someone?" / "If you could change one thing about our room, what would it be?"

Start with yourself

Children learn yarning circle norms by watching you. When you model vulnerable, honest sharing — "I felt nervous this morning when I thought I'd lost my keys" — you give them permission to share authentically too. Your willingness to be real sets the tone for the whole group.

Making it a daily practice

The yarning circle becomes most powerful when it's consistent. Aim for the same time each day — many educators use it as a morning arrival ritual or a transition before rest time. Over weeks, children begin to hold the space themselves, reminding each other of the rules and self-regulating without prompting.

You'll also notice carry-over: children who learn deep listening in the yarning circle bring it into other interactions, into conflict resolution, into how they speak to one another on the mat.