Community Circles

Longfellow Morning Circle.mov

Community Building

Classroom circles have been used in Bakersfield City School District for several years. It is widely used as a way to "build community" in the classroom and provide a sense of love and belonging. Research shows that classroom circles:

  • Build positive relationships and reduce misbehavior

  • Build trust, community and safer environments

  • Allow students to get to know each other, be vulnerable & share their story

  • Help engage learning by tying circles with academics


Building Community.mp4

Hear stories and watch BCSD circles in action

BCSD Building Community Video.mov

Watch our own BCSD teachers and students tell you about their experience

Click here to view our latest district PD on classroom circles


Virtual Classroom Circles

Virtual circles can still take place during distance Learning! Click on the links below to begin implementing virtual classroom circles!

Start your journey in building relationships with your students!

Access our SEL lessons developed by our very own BCSD teachers. Each day includes CIRCLE prompts and jamboard!


Virtual Exit Tickets (closing your lessons)

Getting Started

Student Centered Classroom Handbook.pdf
Circles and Mindfulness Reference Guide

Here are some ideas to get you started on classroom circles!


Full Length BCSD Circle Videos

Chavez Morning Meeting.mov
Longfellow Morning Circle.mov
McKinley Community Circle.mov
Pauly Circle.mov