Circle Time is used across the school. The aim of Circle Time at Courtenay Gardens Primary School is to build relationships within a classroom and support proactive teaching of self-reflection and interpersonal skills.  

Circle Time is a regular classroom activity designed to increase class cohesion and a supportive climate and develop social and emotional competencies within individuals and groups. (Taylor, 2003, cited in Roffey 2005) 

Circle Time is a planned, regular time, where students are brought together to sit in a circle to engage in a range of group activities. The main aims of Circle Time are to mix students up so they interact outside of their normal groupings, help children develop understanding of self and others, and promote a positive sense of community through a range of structured interpersonal interactions. (Hansberry, 2009)  

Key Beliefs

Circle Time provides a regular routine for students to explore their own feelings and the feelings of others. Students have the opportunity to listen to peers, share opinions and listen to the thoughts of others. This allows for the collective circle members to deepen their thinking and connection to one another.  

Circle Time is connected to Restorative Practices. It is not a disciplinary measure but a proactive relationship building experience that develops trust and community. This ensures that when issues that cause relationships break down to arise, and restorative conversations are required, there is relationship to be restored.  

Circle Time gives every student a voice every day, empowering them to be active contributors to the learning community of their classroom.  

What are some of the benefits of circle time? 

• Improved speaking and listening skills
• Increased self-esteem
• A sense of belonging/class community
• An understanding of how their behaviour impacts others
• Improved problem-solving skills
• Improved emotional intelligence
• A sense of responsibility
• Improved relationships between children, their peers and their teacher

Guidelines 

Circle Time at Courtenay Gardens PS must occur daily. Classroom teachers can choose when throughout the day they hold a circle. Daily circles have an approximate duration of 5-10 mins. Circle Time for an extended duration can occur during the weekly Wellbeing lesson. 

Teachers are to explicitly teach the Circle Time routines including setting up the environment for the circle, talking and passing protocols, and expectations that maintain the safety and inclusivity of the circle.  

Circle Time can explore curriculum content areas as well as social and emotional topics. The purpose of the circle can vary from day to day.  

Circles must be inclusive and invite the participation of all people in the classroom, teachers, students, education support staff and visitors. Teachers can scaffold and support to ensure the circle meets the needs of individual students and maximises inclusive participation.  

Specialist teachers are expected to run on Circle Time daily. This is only a brief 5 minute circle and should be rotated across different sessions to ensure it is conducted with different classes over the term. This provides specialist teachers to opportunity to build community amongst students within their specialist context.