Circles - Circle Process Planning Guide - create connection and respectful sharing

Aug 31, 2026

Circles provide a school community practice designed to build connection, collaboration, and mutual understanding through respectful, structured dialogue. The guide explains circle values and principles, sets expectations for tone and accountability, and details a typical physical and facilitation setup. It outlines how a keeper leads, how a talking piece regulates speaking and listening, and how discussion rounds support reflection. It further proposes a general circle format with opening, guidelines/values, check-in, discussion rounds, and closing to support interpersonal growth and academic success.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryForms

FormatDOCX

Pages12

Reading Time4 min

AccessFree to download

Typical Circle Structure

General Circle Format

Opening

Guidelines / Values

Introduction of Talking Piece

Check-In

Discussion Rounds

Check out

Closing

Circles Intentionally creating a space that lifts barriers between people, circles open the possibility for connection, collaboration, and mutual understanding. Derived from aboriginal and native traditions, circles are built on caring relationships, positive expectation messages, and opportunities for meaningful participation. Circle processes are a valuable practice that serves numerous purposes in our school communities. Participants gain valuable life skills that will not only positively contribute to improved interpersonal relationships and academic success, but will also prepare them for their future endeavors and relationships. The circle process provides a way of bringing people together in which: Everyone is respected and gets a chance to talk without interruption Participants explain themselves by telling their stories Everyone is equal- no person is more important than anyone else Emotional aspects of individual experiences are welcome Values and Principles of the Circle and Community Circles are a special process that needs to be presented as such. It’s extremely important to set the tone and expectation of the circle to reflect the core values upon which it is based each and every time a circle forms. These values are what distinguish circle time from all other time. If used consistently, the values that govern the success of the circle, and foster the relationship building and skill development will eventually spread out of the circle into the greater community. Typical Circle Structure: Chairs are placed in a physical circle, enough chairs for all participating members with no additional furniture blocking any participants The facilitator is called the “keeper”, and leads the meeting (may possibly be lead by a student) The keeper makes introductory comments, often including a discussion of the values that guide the success of the process, and may place the written values/positive agreements on the floor in the middle of the circle for all participants to see. The keeper poses a question or topic (of which depends on the purpose of the circle) A talking piece is introduced and passed, usually clockwise around the circle The only person authorized to speak is the person holding the talking piece (one person at a time), participants may choose not to speak if they wish When a person is finished speaking, they pass the talking piece onwards to the next person The process of passing the talking piece around the circle may continue for a number of rounds. Since only one person speaks at a time, it’s important to offer participant’s a chance to reflect on what the others are saying in the circle. General Circle Format: This format can be amended depending on the amount of time or topic. While it can be temping to skip the guidelines and values round, it is important that you do not unless you are in a group that has been meeting in a circle for awhile and have covered values in previous circles. A reoccurring group should always revisit the guidelines and values even if just briefly. 1. Opening 2. Guidelines / Values 3. Introduction of Talking Piece 4. Check-In 5. Discussion Rounds 6. Check out 7. Closing 1. Opening Purpose: to create a special or sacred space where everyone will come together to share in ways we ordinarily don’t have the opportunity to do. Also to ground everyone, set a positive tone for participants to transition into the circle process. Examples of an opening: poems, quotes, guided meditation or breathing exercise Suggested opening language: “We have come together today to learn more about one another and to be together in a way which will make our school community (or our class or group) stronger, closer and safer.” 2. Guidelines Purpose: to allow Circle participants to identify and agree upon shared guidelines for the circle. It’s very important to convey the importance of, and hold participants accountable to the guidelines as they directly impact the success of the circle. Circle guidelines: Res

FAQs

What is the purpose of a circle process in school communities?

It creates a special space that lifts barriers between people, supports connection and collaboration, and builds interpersonal skills that contribute to academic success.

How does the talking piece work during circle time?

Only the person holding the talking piece may speak at a time, while others actively listen. The talking piece moves around the circle, and participants may pass while still staying present and engaged.

What guidelines and values distinguish circle time from other activities?

Guidelines emphasize respect, speaking from the heart, heart-based listening, trust, and concise considerate sharing. Values guide “how to be” in circle, such as respect, honesty, trustworthiness, and courage, and should be revisited consistently.

Aug 31, 2026

Upload by Oliver Hayes