The Power of Circles in the Classroom Presented by The Crawford High School Academy Of Law

Community Building / Restorative Circles Community Building are used for… Getting to know each other Building empathy and classroom community Giving students a voice in the classroom Identifying strengths/weaknesses in content knowledge Restorative Conferences/Circles are used for… Addressing classroom behavior / conflicts Discussing controversial or traumatic events that have affected the school / community / nation / world *Conferences typically precede circles

Community Building Circles

Community Building Circles at Crawford Fall - 12th Graders facilitate circles with 9th, 10th and 11th graders… Fall - 11th Graders are trained in facilitating circles in their Law class by staff from the National Conflict Resolution Center (NCRC) 12th graders mentor 11th graders Spring – 11th graders facilitate circles across the campus for non- Academy classes Support from 12th graders and NCRC Academy teachers use circles regularly in the classroom

Affective Questions for Restorative Conferences and Circles When an Individual Has Caused Harm to the Community: What happened? What were you thinking at the time? What have you thought about since? Who has been affected by what you have done? In what way have they been affected? What do you think you need to do to make things right?

Affective Questions for Restorative Conferences and Circles For those Affected by the Harm; What did you think when you realized what had happened? What impact has the incident had on you and others? What has been the hardest thing for you? What do you think needs to happen to make things right?

Tips for Facilitating Circles Establish norms for circle conduct; Use a talking piece and/or a center piece; The shape of the circle matters; Always start with a low risk, “check-in” question or ice breaker The Way the Wind Blows Highs and Lows Work up to more intense /revealing questions; Teachers should always answer the questions too!

Common Circle Norms Speak from the Heart Be Present Speak Leanly Share your authentic thoughts and feelings Be Present Practice active listening Speak Leanly Don’t monopolize the circle Respect the Talking Piece The person with the Talking Piece is the only one speaking Confidentiality What’s said in the circle, stays in the circle

Structure of a Circle Opening Activity Ice Breaker Quote, music, chime, controlled breathing, personal reading Ice Breaker Establish / Review Circle Norms Guiding Questions Low Risk “Check-In” Question Medium Risk Question High Risk Question Reflection Circle Facilitator summarizes circle and offer opportunity for participants to reflect Closing

Role of the Circle Facilitator Create a Safe Space Explain Circle Norms Invite participants to comment on or add to norms Establish the Tone for the Circle Explain the Talking Piece / Center Piece Explain Purpose of Circle Pose the Guiding Questions Always answer first Summarize At the end of each round of questions Closing summary / moment of inspiration

Circles…