Circles
“How do we start to think about developing
relationships as one of the main things we
need to do at schools, rather than something that just sort of happens, and is nice when it does?” National Association of School Psychologists
“Why have circles?"
•Students get to know each other better
•Students sit together and see everybody else in their class
•Students have fun together
•Students develop pro-social connections
•Students build trust and connection
•Students begin to develop the skills they need to build, maintain and repair relationships – students will learn the skills required to effectively participate in circle only by taking part in circles.
Building Relationships:
Circles help us build relationships. There are many relationships at play in a school. The three most important ones for students are:
•Students’ relationship with others (peers and teachers)
•Students’ relationship with self
•Students’ relationship with curriculum
In order for our students to be successful in school these relationships need to be supported. Students learn best when they have positive relationships with adults within the school.
Talking Piece
The teacher or the class will choose the talking piece. This object has special meaning or symbolism to the class. The talking piece will be passed around the circle and only the person with the piece has the opportunity to speak. If for some reason a student does not feel comfortable or able to speak, he/she can pass the talking piece to the next person. At the end of the circle, those who have passed will have the chance to share if they so desire.
Participation:
Participation in circle must be optional but consider individualized support to determine a
student’s needs if she seems unable to participate in circle: what do they need to help them engage?
What does a circle look like?
Circles do not look the same in every classroom. Some teachers use circles daily in their classroom for many different purposes, such as: check-in/ check-out circles, teaching circles, sharing circles and games/energizer circles. While other teachers might use them only when their needed.
Circle Expectations:
A whole group discuss what is needed in order for the circle to be successful. From that list choose 4-5 items from the list and start to teach them (what does respect look like). At the beginning these should be reviewed daily. Ideally, your students develop the expectations so that they take more ownership over the circle. One of the keys to creating ownership over the circle and the expectations is have the kids repeat the expectations and the reasons for them every day.
Examples :
Only talk when you have the talking piece
Show respect for others (listen, look at the person who is talking, keep your hands to yourself)
Show proper empathy (laugh when appropriate, be sad when appropriate)
Be mindful of others
Be honest
•Students get to know each other better
•Students sit together and see everybody else in their class
•Students have fun together
•Students develop pro-social connections
•Students build trust and connection
•Students begin to develop the skills they need to build, maintain and repair relationships – students will learn the skills required to effectively participate in circle only by taking part in circles.
Building Relationships:
Circles help us build relationships. There are many relationships at play in a school. The three most important ones for students are:
•Students’ relationship with others (peers and teachers)
•Students’ relationship with self
•Students’ relationship with curriculum
In order for our students to be successful in school these relationships need to be supported. Students learn best when they have positive relationships with adults within the school.
Talking Piece
The teacher or the class will choose the talking piece. This object has special meaning or symbolism to the class. The talking piece will be passed around the circle and only the person with the piece has the opportunity to speak. If for some reason a student does not feel comfortable or able to speak, he/she can pass the talking piece to the next person. At the end of the circle, those who have passed will have the chance to share if they so desire.
Participation:
Participation in circle must be optional but consider individualized support to determine a
student’s needs if she seems unable to participate in circle: what do they need to help them engage?
What does a circle look like?
Circles do not look the same in every classroom. Some teachers use circles daily in their classroom for many different purposes, such as: check-in/ check-out circles, teaching circles, sharing circles and games/energizer circles. While other teachers might use them only when their needed.
Circle Expectations:
A whole group discuss what is needed in order for the circle to be successful. From that list choose 4-5 items from the list and start to teach them (what does respect look like). At the beginning these should be reviewed daily. Ideally, your students develop the expectations so that they take more ownership over the circle. One of the keys to creating ownership over the circle and the expectations is have the kids repeat the expectations and the reasons for them every day.
Examples :
Only talk when you have the talking piece
Show respect for others (listen, look at the person who is talking, keep your hands to yourself)
Show proper empathy (laugh when appropriate, be sad when appropriate)
Be mindful of others
Be honest
Teaching Restorative Practices in the Classroom
- 7 Lessons Curriculum
©Amos Clifford, Center for Restorative Process
Developed for San Francisco Unified School District
- 7 Lessons Curriculum
©Amos Clifford, Center for Restorative Process
Developed for San Francisco Unified School District
teaching_restorative_practices_in_the_classroom_7_lesson_curriculum.pdf | |
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