Embedded Files
Circle Elements/Criteria
Circle Elements/Criteria
1 . Identify who will be in your circle
(i.e. teachers & administrators. class of I st grade students. parents ...)
2. What is the purpose of the circle?
( i.e. community building. understanding. academic. celebration . . . )
3. Opening: How will you open the circle?
(i.e. quote. reading. physical movement. song...)
4. What is your question for the first Round of sharing? Will you have the group respond I x or 2x?
Do you have a second question for a Round of sharing? Will you have the group respond I x or 2x?
5. Closing: How will you close the circle?
(i.e. quote. physical movement. song...)
6. What will be your talking piece?
creating own circle.pdf7_General_Circle_Format.pdfCircle Script
Circle Script
circle lesson plan.pdfThe Values of a Circle
The Values of a Circle
Honesty, listening, accountability, spirituality, consensus, healing, patience, respect, support, trust, partnership and forgiveness
Shared leadership, equality – placing everyone in a circle minimizes structural distinctions between ‘teacher’ and ‘learner’ and sets a tone of equal participation and equal capacity to teach and learn among all participants.
Visual contact among all participants at all times – in a circle no one is looking at anyone else’s back. It is easier to listen and hear when there are direct sight and sound lines among participants
Focus – the structure of the circle focuses attention on the participants and task of the circle and reduces distractions.
Connection – the circle links all participants with one another encouraging a sense of shared effort or common purpose.
Respect/accountability – because everyone in a circle can see everyone else, disrespectful behavior such as side conversations or demeaning non-verbal actions are discouraged. If it happens it becomes obvious to everyone in the circle.
Input and participation from all – use of the technique of going around the circle providing each person with a chance to speak ensures that everyone has an opportunity to be heard and reduces domination of discussion by a small number of people.
Inclusion – in a circle no one feels isolated or left out.
A Talking Piece
A Talking Piece
In order to facilitate and share speaking time in the circle, a talking piece is introduced. The desire to interrupt can be as strong as the desire to be heard without interruption. The talking piece can be almost any item. Indigenous Australians have used a talking stick for generations, so a stick signed by all classmates can make a favored talking piece. Encourage participants to create their own talking piece, provided it is not too large, and has meaning that is connected to the ideals of community, - caring and peace.
The guidelines that cover the use of the talking piece are:
It always moves clockwise around the circle, unless otherwise decided by the group
You do not talk when you do not have the talking piece
You can pass the talking piece,
You do not have to speak when you hold the talking piece
You must:
Speak honestly and from the heart
Speak with respect for others
Try not to speak at length
Speak to issues of the circle
Circle Norms/Agreements
Circle Norms/Agreements
General Guidelines:
Speak honestly and from the heart
Speak with respect for others
Try not to speak at length
Speak to issues of the circle
RH Suggested Guidelines:
The circle keeper or facilitator will guide the circle process.
Only the person holding the Talking Piece may speak in the circle and everyone else is invited to listen.
Show respect to everyone in the circle at all times.
Speak your truth honestly (from the heart).
If you feel the need, you always have the opportunity to pass.
Confidentiality...What’s said in the circle, stays in the circle.
The circle keeper/facilitator will summarize the responses after each round.
Circle_Guidelines.pdf
circle guidelines.pdfcreating guidelines.pdfReport abuse