Circles

So you want to add circles to your classroom? Great!

Here are some general ideas, basic elements, trouble shooting, and lots and lots of questions.

I'd like to do a quick check-in circle on a regular basis

  • Invite students to submit questions. You'll want to preview for appropriateness, but keep in mind that SILLY can be a great community builder. One student asked this question: Would you rather have lunch with (so and so famous person) or have a bowl of spaghetti dumped on your head? Why? We laughed a lot!
  • Invite students to be the circle keepers. They get to choose the question, the talking piece, and set the tone.

I would like to add deeper community-building circles to my classes

  • Start slow and be patient. It will take time to develop the trust that this is a place students can actually speak their minds.
  • DO start with a Values Circle. Create a class/circle covenant if you haven't already. If your students are familiar with the check-in circles, they'll have some good thoughts about what they need to feel OK about sharing in a longer circle.
  • Each time, start with lighter questions and move deeper.