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is a framework for group interaction that is inclusive, respectful, safe and democratic. It can be used in many forums but is most common in classrooms to develop social and emotional skills and to create a friendly and supportive ethos. Circle Time is a very effective way to help young people (and older people!) learn about healthy relationships and child friendly communities.
There are just three rules:
- everyone has a chance to speak and when one person is speaking everyone else listens respectfully
- there are no put downs - no naming, blaming or shaming
- you can pass, no-one has to say anything if they don't want to
Everyone sits in a circle and the facilitator mixes people up from time to time so that they talk with those outside their usual friendship group.
Activities include sentence completions, silent statements, pair shares, small and large group activities, many of which are presented as games. There is a focus on solutions -identifying and working towards goals rather than unravelling problems. Here are some quotes from teachers and students about Circle Time.
- It's been great at encouraging the kids to listen to one another and accept that all have a different view point."
- "When there was a put-down . they all stood up for this other girl. I didn't have to intervene and I found that the whole positive rephrasing, not using 'put downs' has rolled over into every day"
- "You can share things about yourself without anyone laughing at you"
- You can play games that you can learn things from"
- "You get to learn more stuff about people and you can just express your feelings"
- "You think about when you've done bad things and you want to make up for it."
For more information about Circle Time Solutions contact Sue Roffey HERE or on 0409 047 672. |
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