Why Circle Time at Peak?
Two years ago, Peak School adopted the Restorative Practice model for dealing positively with behaviour. Kristy Elliot, who runs Restorative Pathways in Melbourne, Australia, was invited to work with a cluster of teachers from across the school in October. The CPD with Kristy was intended to extend on the restorative model within the classroom environment using circle time. Circle time benefits the children by allowing them to develop positive relationships in a safe setting. We particularly like this model because within a circle time session we are able to incorporate aspects of our curriculum thus enabling us to easily fit it into our weekly practice.
How it Works
Each circle time session is based on Kristy Elliot's model and consists of 6 parts. The content part of the session is always a collaborative group work task that requires effective communication to complete and feedback.
We build on their communication skills each week by focussing on their successes within the 6 parts. We use the students to peer assess and we highlight positive modelling of the effective communicator behaviours when they arise.
We build on their communication skills each week by focussing on their successes within the 6 parts. We use the students to peer assess and we highlight positive modelling of the effective communicator behaviours when they arise.
Check In
Within the circle the children have a 'check in' sentence. They should always say their names so they get to hear their own name within the session at least once. These sentences can be varied. The children are expected to project their voice across the circle and make eye contact with other children as they speak
Mixer
The mixer is intended to mix the children into different sized groups and encourages the children to work with new people. This can be done using cut up pictures (related or unrelated to the content of the session ), playing cards, numbering the children or any number of games.
Content
Any activity where the children are working together in small groups. Some of the things we use it for are: tuning the children into inquiry, for phonics inquiry and maths problem solving. It is the main part of the session .
Debrief
This is a chance for the children to share their ideas and learning from the activity as a class or with other groups. It is a great opportunity for the children to practice their skills of communication during this short exercise.
Energiser
Any fun game intended to regain energy levels.
Check out
The check out is an opportunity for the children to speak within the circle. They must include their name in their sentence and it could include a farewell or a positive comment to their neighbour.