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.

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:

Image with the heading connection circles. to the right are brightly colored stick figure images of a people in a circle formation. To the left is a series of bullet points. A relationship building and conflict prevention strategy that: enhances relationships, establishes rapport, enhances empathy, and often used by teachers once per week.

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.

Image with the heading connection circles written over a splotched painted surface. Below heading are three boxes with the words: Building relationships before discussing core issues or problems is an intentional and important strategy. Box 2 states: Takes 6-8 weeks to become well established. Box 3 states: A variety of circles can be used in the classroom.

Image with the heading Types of circles on top. Below are bullet points stating - Connection Circle. Creating classroom agreements circle. Three minute focus circle. Celebration circle. Appreciation circle. Reflection circle. Bereavement circle. Responding to a community trauma circle. Responding to mistreatment of a substitute teacher circle. Formative assessment circle. Problem solving circle.

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.

Image with the heading Process of a circle. On either side of the image is a drawing of children holding hands in a circle. In the middle of the image are one word descriptions of the circle process. They are: Introduction. Objective. Ground rules. The talking piece. Prompts and Rounds. Closing. At the bottom is a small text that states: The prompt/question should be appropriate for the level of safety in the group (low-risk for new groups, then build through the year to medium and high risk.)

Image with the heading: Suggested guidelines for circle. Below this heading are 8 boxes with a guideline written in each box. They state: Speak openly and honestly. Speak from the heart. Use school appropriate language. Respect people's privacy. Speak only when you have the talking piece. No cross-talk verbal or non-verbal. You may pass but we'll come back to you. Share the time fairly.

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

Elementary School Connection Circle Scripts

Using Circles in Secondary:

Middle School Connection Circle Scripts

Types/Themes of Connection Circles:

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.

2. Celebration Circles:

Share and affirm accomplishments, happy news, or other positive events. May be used to celebrate individuals, groups, or whole classrooms

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Adapted from Chicago Public Schools Guide and Toolkit Restorative Practices

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