My students are cheerful, outgoing, have lots of energy, and have complete confidence in themselves. They look forward to talking and being with friends.
Social and Emotional health is important to life-long living.
They are eager to learn new and creative ways to be active and social without technology. Many of our students participate in many forms of video games and don't go outside to socialize. I want these students that don't participate in social activities to have an opportunity to interact with others in a non-threatening activity in the classroom.
My Project
Learning and teaching is a social experience. The Choices in a Jar, What Would You Do? in a Jar, and Think Fast will be used as an opening activity in my classes each and every day to promote positive relationships with our school communities. Community circles teach pro-social skills and build relationships – this is commonly called ‘circle time’ is designed to help students to get to know one another and connect to each other. The technique of going around the circle provides each person with a chance to speak and ensures that everyone has an opportunity to be heard and reduces domination of discussion by a small number of people. In a circle, no one feels isolated or left out.
Community circles are a great way to allow students to develop and enhance life skills that are so important to all of us.
Everyone takes part in what becomes a democratic, participatory classroom with a focus on relationships and responsibilities. It’s a relationship, not a program that change children…Young people thrive when adults care about them on a one-to-one level, and when they have a sense of belonging to a caring community.
When used regularly, and in a variety of ways, a circle helps young people to develop an appreciation of self, a sense of belonging, to have feelings of empathy with other members of the class, and to become empowered to use positive problem solving behaviors. It indicates that a group is working together to support one another and to take responsibility for addressing issues. Our students deserve and are encouraged to be kind and caring individuals. Community Circles will provide this experience.
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