Setting the Stage
At the beginning of the year, the main aim is to establish a warm, welcoming climate in your classroom. Before we dig into hot topics, students need to get familiar with with circling up. While it is not necessary for this time to be rigid, some general routines will aid conversation and allow for all members to be heard.
For the first couple of circle times, use some lighthearted get to know you questions to practice these norms and build a positive classroom climate.
Low Risk, High Engagement Getting to Know You Questions
Would You Rather(s)...? Would you rather be the best player on a team that always loses or the worst player on a team that always wins?
Table Topics- You can purchase sets of Table Topic cards, make your own, or download this freebie list and choose your favorite few.
Story Tell- Stories are contagious! There is much academic benefit from this practice too! Check out this set of get-to-know-yous and the green story starters.
Want more ideas? Google or check on Pinterest for a jillion more ideas.
*These questions and activities are also great to warm up a group. Consider starting with one and making it around the circle before tackling a bigger issue. Also, if tension is high, bust these out to relax and enjoy your time together.
Additional Resources:
Check out these videos from the Momentous Institute about circles, mindfulness, and social/emotional wellness.
- What happens in the circle, stays in the circle. Ease student fears upfront. Of course if something is mentioned that is unsafe, it would need to be addressed appropriately, but the vast majority, hopefully all, of our conversation can be covered by this guarantee.
- Have a speaking symbol. As a tangible reminder to younger (and older!) learners, pass an item around the circle that indicates the one and only speaker. This is a time for students to be heard, and this small trinket protects that time. A ball, plastic microphone, stuffed animal, etc. could all be used as a speaking symbol. Worried about your long winded ones? Try a minute timer as a symbol.
- Speak only when you have the talking piece
- Speak respectfully
- Speak from the heart/tell the truth
- Listen when others are speaking
- Speak on topic and as briefly as possible to make your point
- You may pass
For the first couple of circle times, use some lighthearted get to know you questions to practice these norms and build a positive classroom climate.
Low Risk, High Engagement Getting to Know You Questions
Would You Rather(s)...? Would you rather be the best player on a team that always loses or the worst player on a team that always wins?
Table Topics- You can purchase sets of Table Topic cards, make your own, or download this freebie list and choose your favorite few.
Story Tell- Stories are contagious! There is much academic benefit from this practice too! Check out this set of get-to-know-yous and the green story starters.
Want more ideas? Google or check on Pinterest for a jillion more ideas.
*These questions and activities are also great to warm up a group. Consider starting with one and making it around the circle before tackling a bigger issue. Also, if tension is high, bust these out to relax and enjoy your time together.
Additional Resources:
Check out these videos from the Momentous Institute about circles, mindfulness, and social/emotional wellness.