Connection Circles
When people come together for restorative interactions they sit in circles. Circle dialogue is a fundamental element of restorative dialogue. Classroom circles support the two main goals of restorative practices: building community and responding to harm through dialogue that sets things right.
When people come together for restorative interactions they sit in circles. Circle dialogue is a fundamental element of restorative dialogue. Classroom circles support the two main goals of restorative practices: building community and responding to harm through dialogue that sets things right.
Connection Circles are simply that - a circle that includes students, teachers, staff or anyone that is involved in a classroom. Everyone gathers into a circle and then the facilitator (typically a teacher, staff or student) welcomes everyone and begins the process. See below for some video examples as well as explanations of possible themes and objectives for a classroom circle.
Connection Circles are simply that - a circle that includes students, teachers, staff or anyone that is involved in a classroom. Everyone gathers into a circle and then the facilitator (typically a teacher, staff or student) welcomes everyone and begins the process. See below for some video examples as well as explanations of possible themes and objectives for a classroom circle.
Let's start with why we do Connection Circles:
Let's start with why we do Connection Circles:
Connection Circles are a Tier 1 approach to classroom climate. We work to build relationships and establish connections between students, teachers and staff. Once those connections are established - classroom climate can then be more fully addressed.
Connection Circles are a Tier 1 approach to classroom climate. We work to build relationships and establish connections between students, teachers and staff. Once those connections are established - classroom climate can then be more fully addressed.
Building connections and establishing relationships takes time (6-8 weeks). Start with simple topics and then slowly move into deeper and deeper discussions once students have developed trust.
Building connections and establishing relationships takes time (6-8 weeks). Start with simple topics and then slowly move into deeper and deeper discussions once students have developed trust.
Circles can be used for a variety of purposes: from establishing relationships, to introducing new units, to addressing larger concerns or changes.
Circles can be used for a variety of purposes: from establishing relationships, to introducing new units, to addressing larger concerns or changes.
Start with a short greeting of hello - trying to avoid saying "thanks" or "welcome" since the facilitator is not the host but a member of the circle like everyone else.
See above for objectives or types of circles. There are no limits on topics, just limits on time.
See below for ground rules (or guidelines)
Talking pieces can be significant items or even a stuffed animal. Use whatever makes sense for the group but emphasize that tossing the talking piece can create some issues.
Prompts and Rounds are the questions we ask and then invite everyone to speak from his/her perspective.
End with a reading or thought that reflects back on the objective of the circle or helps to shift the group from circle to the rest of the school day.
Guidelines are there to help you establish an open and honest discussion while also setting the tone for the circle. Take your time - rushing into a circle can have untended consequences.
Guidelines are there to help you establish an open and honest discussion while also setting the tone for the circle. Take your time - rushing into a circle can have untended consequences.
Starting off the day with Connection Circles in Elementary School
Starting off the day with Connection Circles in Elementary School
Using Circles in Secondary:
Using Circles in Secondary:
Types/Themes of Connection Circles:
Types/Themes of Connection Circles:
1. Community Building Circle:
1. Community Building Circle:
Pro-actively build relationships and community among classroom or team. Talking circles may be used as daily check-ins (such as Morning Meetings), to set classroom norms and agreements, teach social and emotional skills, provide feedback, and discuss pertinent issues and topics.
Pro-actively build relationships and community among classroom or team. Talking circles may be used as daily check-ins (such as Morning Meetings), to set classroom norms and agreements, teach social and emotional skills, provide feedback, and discuss pertinent issues and topics.
2. Celebration Circles:
2. Celebration Circles:
Share and affirm accomplishments, happy news, or other positive events. May be used to celebrate individuals, groups, or whole classrooms
Share and affirm accomplishments, happy news, or other positive events. May be used to celebrate individuals, groups, or whole classrooms
3. Parent/Community Circles:
3. Parent/Community Circles:
Engage parents/family and community members in circles to introduce the circle process, develop partnerships, welcome new members, hold parent/teacher conferences, and provide feedback to the school.
Engage parents/family and community members in circles to introduce the circle process, develop partnerships, welcome new members, hold parent/teacher conferences, and provide feedback to the school.
4. Staff Circles:
4. Staff Circles:
As part of regular team meetings or professional development, staff circles can be used to build collaboration, set vision, make decisions, provide feedback, and reflect on practice.
As part of regular team meetings or professional development, staff circles can be used to build collaboration, set vision, make decisions, provide feedback, and reflect on practice.
5. Peace Circles:
5. Peace Circles:
After conflict or behavior issues, guide reflection on the actions and their impact on others, empower participants to develop a plan to make things right.
After conflict or behavior issues, guide reflection on the actions and their impact on others, empower participants to develop a plan to make things right.
6. Re-entry Circles:
6. Re-entry Circles:
Welcome student back to classroom and school following a disciplinary action, such as suspension or expulsion. Use the circle to address outstanding issues and rebuild relationships.
Welcome student back to classroom and school following a disciplinary action, such as suspension or expulsion. Use the circle to address outstanding issues and rebuild relationships.
7. Healing/Support Circles:
7. Healing/Support Circles:
Create space for students to identify loss, express emotions, cope with trauma, and build community. Can be used after specific incidents in the community or to share life experiences.
Create space for students to identify loss, express emotions, cope with trauma, and build community. Can be used after specific incidents in the community or to share life experiences.