To find out more about the methodologies, ideas and activities listed on this page have a look at the Classroom Activities and Download Resources for Cities:

Circle Time

The aim is to develop speaking and listening skills, self-esteem and group understanding and get everyone to have a say. Participants can really learn from each other and develop a sense of mutual support and group cohesion. It needs to be practised and then done regularly. e.g. 30 minutes per week and it really develops a sense of participation and involvement.

It has many variations, but a common format is:

      1. Sit in a circle (teacher included) all able to make eye contact.
      2. Mixing up exercise: "Change places all those who ate breakfast today" trivial / amusing starters building up to more serious ones "Change places all those who like their school grounds" or "have been bullied in their school grounds" etc. The idea is to get people to share, join in without speaking
      3. Sentence completion (set ground rules e.g. Listen to others - No comments - Pass if you can't think of something so we can move on and then come back to you) Start non-threatening again e.g. "My favourite food is..." (Go round in a circle) "My favourite hobby is" (Go round the other way) leading up to more serious "One thing I like about my school grounds is ..." Then "dislike" Then "I would like to change".
      4. After "guided" questions, allow free discussion of any of the issues raised.

Related Links

Circle time resources, including model presentation

Hindu Times interview with Jenny Mosley, UK 'guru' of Circle Time on its benefits and uses

Teachers ideas for different uses of Circle Time

Books:

Turn Your School Around
A circle time approach to the development of self-esteem and positive behaviour in the primary classroom, staffroom and playground.

Circle Time for the Very Young.
Activities for 3-5 year olds then the same activity developed for age 5-7. Five PSHE themes - Friends and friendship, Growing up, Feelings, Keeping safe and Citizenship.

Quality Circle Time in Secondary Schools.
A rationale, framework and whole-school model for Circle Time in secondary schools. Over 100 activities and practical strategies to help build teachers' confidence and skills in Circle Time for use within PSHE, tutorial time or subject teaching.