- I liked how the the "peace circle" created a place of respect and provided a platform of trust where they can talk about their feelings. I can see how this would build a positive class climate because everyone has a chance to speak.
- I liked that the focus was on how to heal from a situation verses jumping to a punishment. This was a great perceptive that I will implement with my 2 small children at home. I agree with the video that it empowers students when they feel like they have a voice and they know they will be heard. This gives the group a sense of respect and creates cohesiveness within the circle.
Questions from the video
1. How do you get a child to talk within the group if they are shy, embarrassed, or just flat out refuse to discuss what is bother him/her in order to dissolve a heated situation?
2. How to you prevent a fight during the circle time? Conversations could get heated and how do you control out of control emotions?
I like what you said about the peace circle. I also found this to be a great method for classroom management and creating this overall idea of respect for each other. This could be used with basically all age groups as well! I see myself using the peace circle, or something similar, in my future classroom.
ReplyDeleteAs elementary as it sounds for a high school teacher, I liked the idea about passing around the ball- its like passing the conch. Whoever had the ball got to speak. But yes, I agree with the peace circle being a great idea to bring serenity and respect into a classroom.
ReplyDeleteI never really considered that accomplishment would be a repercussion of positive feed back. I also agree that it is important for students to clarify what they have taken away from circle time as to not confuse what other students have said. This also prevents future fighting. And, I had very similar questions to yours.
ReplyDeleteYour questions are important especially as it pertains to working in the HS/Secondary level. Students at this age are even more likely to become withdrawn depending on their personality or what they may be experiencing or think they will experience if they voice their opinion in group. How is a safe haven effectively created with this age?
ReplyDeleteI would also think that it's possible for conversations in group to get out of control easier with this age group.
In terms of shy students, I think it will just take time. When students who won't talk see the rest of the group participating, I believe they will catch on and follow suit. It's the whole "peer pressure" thing. It's not always negative. The other option might be a smaller circle or even a 1-on-1 so the student doesn't feel "stage fright." My oldest son will not talk in front of a group but one on one you can't get him to shut up!
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