How can community norm setting circles be used in classrooms?
In a Community Circle, the teacher participates as an equal member of the classroom, facilitating discussion rather than directing it. To give space for students to share their authentic voice, teachers can have students submit topics or have students lead the discussion.
Why are community circles in the classroom important?
Community circles build communities of trust and respect. The power of community circles is that they offer students the opportunity to express themselves. As a result, students are able to identify with their peers. Community circles highlight common successes and struggles that students are experiencing.
What are community circles?
A community circle is made up of participants and allies from the local community. The meeting starts with everyone sharing food and conversations. Next the group comes together in a circle so that everyone can see each other and shares what is good and new in their lives, everyone gets a turn to be listened to.
How do you facilitate community circles?
Always state the Circle guidelines at the beginning.
- Respect the talking piece (one person speaks at a time, no interrupting)
- Honor privacy.
- Speak from the heart and speak for yourself.
- Participate, don’t dominate, time is our shared resource.
- It is okay to pass.
What are the circle core guidelines?
Respect the Virtual Talking Piece. Establish how your students will share while honoring one voice; one speaker at a time.
How can circles be beneficial to students?
They build empathy. Students in Circles listen to the perspectives of others and grow their capacity to be empathetic. Students feel safe to be vulnerable, and share aspects of their lives in a judgment free setting.
What is the purpose of circle?
The circle has a wide variety of purposes: conflict resolution, healing, support, decision making, information exchange and relationship development.
What is the purpose of circles?
How do you facilitate a community circle?
Here are some things we have learned about facilitating Community Building Circles on Zoom.
- Make sure participants have their correct name on their screen.
- Use the participants’ names as the talking piece.
- Invite participants to turn on their videos.
- Have a variety of simple, non-threatening prompts for check-in rounds.
What is a restorative circle in the classroom?
Restorative circles are restorative discipline strategies you can use in your classrooms to develop relationships, build communities, and respond to conflicts and problems that arise. With restorative circles, you give everyone an equal opportunity to speak, and be listened to.
When should I use circles in the classroom?
This section contains ideas for circles that help build trust, positive feelings, and a sense of belonging within the classroom community. While they can be used at any time, these circles are particularly recommended for when students seem reluctant to share in circle.
How can classroom circles support restorative practices?
“Classroom circles support the two main goals of restorative practices: building community; and responding to harms through dialogue that sets things right,” says M. Amos Clifford, a counselor from the University of San Francisco with over 40 years of experience in education.
What are the benefits of circles of support for teachers?
These circles can give students the feeling of being empowered. They can also help teachers who feel they have been carrying the burden of classroom problem solving by themselves experience the relief of having students who partner with them in this important task. See lessons 5 and 6 in Part Three for detailed descriptions of circles of this type.
What is the magic of Circle talk in the classroom?
Incorporating family circles into your school’s disciplinary plan elevates the role of families as community partners. The magic of circle talk is in giving students a voice in their education, models for healthy expression, and opportunities for long-term conflict resolution.