The site, what it is, how to use it, who can use it, and how to register to gain access to the restricted access part of the site, plus a brief description of Circle Solutions.Image © Alison Buchanan
About this site
Most of this site is available to any interested reader, but some pages are only available to registered users.Registered users can add comments or questions to both public and private pages.
Registration is restricted to Accredited Trainers and Registered Circle Solutions Schools. There is a list of Registered Schools on the site, and also details of Trainer accreditation courses.
If you are not registered and believe that you should be, contact the site administrator.
About Circle Solutions
Circle Solutions aims to promote the social and emotional learning that underpins healthy relationships and foster a sense of belonging and connectedness. The framework is mostly used in classrooms but can be applied with groups at all ages, including school staff. It is particularly helpful in preventing bullying and developing a more supportive ethos.
Circle Solutions is a democratic and creative approach used to consider a wide range of issues affecting a whole community. The strength of circles is that they address values, attitudes and skills within a structured, safe and supportive framework. Circle Solutions develops Circle Time by using a strengths and solutions approach to make it a safe and positive experience for both students and teachers. Evaluation indicates that, with the appropriate facilitation, Circle Solutions has a positive impact on:
- Promoting positive behaviour
- Preventing and addressing bullying
- Clarifying rules and expectations
- Defining values
- Developing emotional and social understanding and skills
- Developing a supportive class /school ethos
- Sharing and taking responsibility
- Fostering belonging
- Supporting inclusion
- Conflict resolution / management
- Developing good communication
- Creating and developing trust
- Increasing attention skills
- Celebrations!
THE PROCESSES OF CIRCLE SOLUTIONS ARE INTENDED TO:
- Promote the value of both individuals and the group
- Not allow individuals to put each other down
- Focus on solving issues not blaming individuals
- Focus on the positive rather than the negative
- Emphasise solutions
- Give everyone a turn to contribute
- Emphasise equal value of all contributions
- Promote inclusion
- Not insist on participation but give second chances
- Allow for mistakes
- Give time for reflection
RELATIONSHIP DEVELOPMENT IS CENTRAL - ACTIVITIES PROMOTE:
- Sharing of experiences
- Practising communication skills, especially listening
- Promoting understanding of each other
- Empathy building
- Giving a language and a space for feelings
- Collaboration and co-operation
- Breaking down prejudice
- Developing understanding of abstract ideas such as kindness, tolerance, support
- Having fun together
In classrooms it is essential that the teacher is a facilitator and participant in Circle Solutions, not a controller. This encourages students to develop their own solutions.
Circle Time for Emotional Literacy has all you need to know to begin Circle Solutions in your class and has many new ideas for experienced practitioners. You can order this directly from Footprint Books or request an order form giving you a 15% discount.
Leave a comment