Not sure how to interpret pattern

Hello! I'm a very beginner Tunisian Crocheter (experienced knitter). I've got this slipper pattern but have no clue how to approach the gaps at the toe end starting where you chain the initial stitches! You sew them together at the end to form the roundness in the toe for context. In knitting I would do each little section separately on a circular needle, joining the live stitches at row 5, would I do something similar here??

Thank you!