Circle Time
At the end of each day my class of grade 5/6 boys settle themselves onto the carpet at the back of the room, jockeying for position as they arrange themselves into a circle across the floor. Some sit upright, some rest their backs on shelves. One always gets the coveted position nestled against the overstuffed floor pillow and, depending on the day, one is usually tucked away in a corner, knees up and head down. With a class of only five students this is how it has played out throughout the year; the roles and positions change, but our Circle beginning typically looks like this.
What I love about this time in the school year is that the purpose of Circle, the very reason why we gather together just one last time before heading home, shows me exactly how far my boys have come in a very short time. In September, Circle was simply to aide in body regulation and to support students in making successful transitions onto their busses. By December it was about team building and creating a positive class culture; we began not only sharing the highs and lows of our day, but opened ourselves up to facilitated discussion between peers who were having disagreements. “I felt angry when _______” became a common phrase.
What I love about this time in the school year is that the purpose of Circle, the very reason why we gather together just one last time before heading home, shows me exactly how far my boys have come in a very short time. In September, Circle was simply to aide in body regulation and to support students in making successful transitions onto their busses. By December it was about team building and creating a positive class culture; we began not only sharing the highs and lows of our day, but opened ourselves up to facilitated discussion between peers who were having disagreements. “I felt angry when _______” became a common phrase.
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And now? Now that our time together is nearly done, with most of the boys moving on to other schools after June, Circle is our chance to enjoy one another’s presence. The students listen to each other’s stories and give advice or words of encouragement. They laugh and joke about their day, poke gentle fun at myself and the classroom staff, share smiles all around. At this time in the year Circle is no longer something we just “do”. It is who we were then, and who we are now. And that growth is inspiring.
Andra Coulter (@teachercoulter) has taught at Children’s Village School since 2007, and shares her classroom space with two fulltime Behaviour Support Counsellors. She believes strongly in the power of laughter, relationships, and coffee (not necessarily in that order).
Andra Coulter (@teachercoulter) has taught at Children’s Village School since 2007, and shares her classroom space with two fulltime Behaviour Support Counsellors. She believes strongly in the power of laughter, relationships, and coffee (not necessarily in that order).
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