Our study intends to investigate preschool teachers’ aim of circle time as part of preschool activities and how it affects children's opportunities for participation and influence. In connection with this, we also intend to investigate circle time from a power perspective and, in particular regarding rules and norms.

Our research questions are as follows:

-    What are the preschool teachers’ purposes of circle time?

-    What norms and rules govern the content of circle time?

-    Which factors affect children's opportunities for participation and influence in circle time?

In order to answer our research questions we have used two qualitative research methods: Observations and semi-structured interviews. We have observed four different circle times and interviewed four different preschool teachers at two different preschools.

The material is analyzed mainly through Michel Foucault´s analysis of power and Roger A Hart´s Ladder of Participation. Our conclusion is that the possibilities for children to participate and obtain influence in circle time are limited by several factors. Firstly by the preschool teachers purpose with circle time, secondly by their general advantages of age, experience and knowledge in comparison to the children and finally by their attitude towards children’s participation and influence and how well they are able to implement this during circle time.