Circle work is an old cultural process from the Maori and North American traditions of building community and solving problems.
In more recent times educators have begun using Circle Work to build good relationships, to teach Social and Emotional Learning, to solve conflict and to teach curriculum.
The workshops I offer build on each other so that educators, community workers and families can learn to structure circle work for success and to use circles for a variety of functions and in a variety of settings.
In circles students learn interpersonal skills in action. Taking turns, listening to each other and collaborative problem solving are skills for life and are all learnt while participating in circle work.
Introduction to Circle Work
This is a highly engaging and participatory workshop to learn to use circle work for a variety of settings and purposes in your classroom. Learn to set up for success.
Overview
Part 1. Teaching students to work in a circle |
Setting up for Success
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Part 2. Activities designed to promote engagement and fun. |
Activities to Engage [Meet up. Set the scene for that particular circle. End circle. Closure] Quick Activities Light, fast and fun activities that can be used at the beginning of the day or at any other time when students’ energy or focus is flagging. Longer Activities May involve equipment – 10-minute activities. To be used when an energiser is required. Team Activities Focus on working together and building cooperative skills and positive language regarding winning and losing. Pairing/Grouping Activities Students learn to work together and establish guidelines around forming groups and partnerships through games. |
Part 3. Focus Circles (Demonstrated through participation) |
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Part 4. Planning for your first circle |
Using pro-forma (explored in Part 1) & Activity Resource booklet participants plan for their first two circles. |
Restorative Circles
This workshop builds on the Working in circles session and explores using restorative dialogue and processes to problem solve, repair harm and relationships in a school or classroom.
Part 1. Exploring – facilitating deep discussion |
Exploring Relationship/Human Issues
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Part 2. Teach Restorative Dialogue |
Circles to teach Restorative Dialogue
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Part 3. Repairing Harm |
Circles to repair harm.
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Part 4. Planning for your first circle |
Planning Using pro-forma & Activity Resource booklet participants plan for two circles. |