On September 15th, I facilitated our first official classroom circle of the school year.
I told students about us being in Circle all week and warned them that when they came into class on Friday, things would look different.
As they walked in, you could tell they were a bit freaked out just by watching their body language and facial expressions.
For each class, the first thing I did was explain to them "the point" of us being in Circle and what I hoped they would gain from the experience individually as well as collectively.
We immediately began working on understanding the talking piece (stuffed fox) and establishing our values.
Each student had a clipboard and something to write with and on. I teach high school special ed and I wanted my students to be able to jot down any thoughts they may wish to share while actively listening and respecting the speaker as well as the talking piece.
At the beginning of class, I had students write down the time and a few words/phrases as to how they were feeling. After we closed Circle, I had students write down the time again and new words on what they were feeling.
Here are some of the responses I received:
Student A:
Start: I am nervous.
Finish: I feel happy after being in Circle.
Student B:
Start: I am tired and confused.
Finish: I really liked Circle. I know it was a part of class but it did not feel like work. I feel like we know each other more now.
Student C:
Start: This is making me nervous.
Finish: I liked the Circle. I feel more comfortable.
Student D:
Start: This is weird. I feel weird.
Finish: I liked the circle. It made me feel good about myself.
Student E:
Start: This is different. This is weird. Not gonna lie, feel kinda scared.
Finish: I really liked Circle and I think we should do it more.
Student F:
Start: I feel bored and like this is going to be stupid.
Finish: I loved this. I feel more respected after Circle. When are we going to do this again?
Student G:
Start: No offense Miss G, but you are a crazy white lady. What are we doing? This is weird.
Finish: OK. Sorry Miss G. This was really cool. I feel really good but also it made me hungry.
Student H:
Start: I feel uncomfortable, I want to go home.
Finish: OK, this was cool. I feel better. This was fun and funny. I had fun. I didn't know my classmates were so interesting. It was nice to hear what other people had to say.
Student I:
Start: I am so confused and I do not want to be bored.
Finish: I was not bored at all. This was fun.
Student J:
Start: This is weird.
Finish: I felt really good. Especially at the end. I was so happy to hear what other people had to say. I was so happy to have people listen to me.
Student K:
Start: I'm excited for this.
Finish: In my genuine opinion, from the start of this period, I knew this was going to be fun. I loved it.
Student L:
Start: I feel sad. I don't want to do this.
Finish: I feel a little better. Actually, I liked it. I need help with my mood sometimes.
Student M:
Start: I'm confused.
Finish: I feel so much better than I did all day.
Student N:
Start: Stressed. Why do math teachers cause so much stress? I am tired. I am sore. I am confused.
Finish: This was so much fun!
Student O:
Start: Angry.
Finish: Comfortable. I want to do this again. I feel good now and I feel like I know everyone's likes and dislikes now.
Student P:
Start: I feel curious.
Finish: Having conversations in a Circle seemed better than at normal seating. I feel relaxed.
Student Q:
Start: Curious. Eager
Finish: I would love to do it again! I liked talking to everyone and I can't wait for next time.
Today there were at least 2 or 3 kids in each class that asked when we were going to be in Circle again.
I'm optimistic!
