Experience shows that children learn better when their emotional needs are being met.
The Development of Circle Time in Education
I first came across Circle Time (CT) 12 years ago when I attended a day workshop in London with Jenny Mosley. I had heard about circle time and it's capacity for building self esteem and social and emotional competency and had read a few books. The day with Jenny helped me put the pieces of the jigsaw together and I finally knew what to do and how to run a circle time!! I then went back to my classroom and implemented the programme with wonderful results! I was lucky enough to then train with Jenny in the UK and work with her for 10 years as a senior associate partner. From 2003 - 2006, I was instrumental in bringing Jenny's Quality Circle Time Programme to New Zealand.
There are many circle time models and programmes today. I have recently developed my own Circle Time Programme called the "Turn -A -Round Programme" and this builds on the ideas of Jenny Mosley, Barbara Maines, George Robinson, Teresa Bliss, Margret Collins and Murray White. Like language Circle Time is constantly evolving and being developed by many other authors.
CT has been proven to promote better relationships and positive behaviour, two of the most effective improvements to both learning and the smooth and harmonious running of a school.
The CT Programme is an action learning strategy and a whole school emotional literacy approach which involves a commitment from schools to set up an ongoing process of Circle Meetings for adults and children, at which the key interpersonal and organisational issues that affect school development and wellbeing can be addressed. Ideally the sessions will form part of your SEAL and PHSE curriculum and consist of weekly meetings lasting half an hour where children sit round in a circle.
CT meetings for children involve carrying out activities, games and the practice of speaking and listening skills, often in a round.
What Children Say About Circle Time
"In Circle Time I get to talk about how I feel and let go of bad feelings so they don't stay inside.”
"We can learn things and know what to do when things go wrong"
"Circle Time has helped me sort out playground problems"
"In Circle Time I get to understand others better and how they think and feel."
