“Are you serious? You haven’t done Community Circle with these guys yet? What’s wrong with you? Why would you do that? That’s a mistake, Sy.”

Before Smiles and Frown there was Community Circle. Ten years ago, I started doing Community Circle with my kiddos. We would sit in a circle around the room and share our lives through various topics, ranging from our favorite candy to what haunts us. As with Smiles and Frowns, kids were given the right to pass. Even then, I wanted their commitment, not their compliance. We did it every Friday. It was transformational; it created and sustained powerful relationships and developed a strong community. And though the amount of times I do it per month has changed, it remains a valuable component to building our classroom culture.

But I haven’t done it yet this year. In part, our new weekly schedule has had an impact, and in another part, I wanted to wait a bit longer and later into the year, first getting Smiles and Frowns underway. Last year, we did it the first Friday of every month. And I had planned to officially begin it in January with the new year, but I I had to scrap that plan, for I got called out.

Ceejay, a student from last year, stopped by recently during 4th period to check in. We had just finished Smiles and Frowns, and she asked my kiddos how much they loved Community Circle, too. They blankly looked at her and then questioningly looked at me. And then she let me know in her upfront way that I came to love last year that I had made a mistake. And she wasn’t wrong. So, today I am seeking to salvage the damage, and we are doing our first Community Circle of the year.

Here’s the basic approach.

I arrange the desks in a large circle (er, square) around the room. We have also sat on the floor and stood in a circle. Regardless the approach, it is key to create a space where everyone is looking at each other.

I prepare questions/prompts in advance (typically 5-7). I pose the question and we go around the circle, giving each an opportunity to share or pass. Again, I believe the “right to pass” is key to success with this activity. We also have the “come back.” Sometimes kids have not had enough time to think of  a response, so we go back to them at the end. 

Just as with Smiles and Frowns, this a great opportunity for practicing listening skills. I ask my kids to be great listeners. I ask them to visually connect with the speaker and not to talk while someone is sharing. For the most part, my kids are fantastic listeners, but they need reminders now and again. 

That’s the gist of Community Circle. Nothing too fancy. Really just an opportunity to create and strengthen connection in our classroom community. 

Mistake to wait this long? Probably. Glad Ceejay got me straightened out. 

Today’s Trail

Along today’s trail we will experience….

…connecting through Smiles and Frowns and Community Circle.

…reflecting in our Journey Journals.

…hearing a Sappy Sy Rhyme.

Happy Friday, all. Have a great weekend.

Do. Reflect. Do Better.