Welcome to episode 47 of the Counselor Chat podcast. Today we are diving in deep and talking about how to use Community Circle as SEL lesson.
Episode Highlights:
1. Introduction to Community Circles:
- Community circles trace their origins to ancient traditions, fostering inclusivity and mutual respect.
- The circle format ensures equal participation and promotes active listening.
2. Setting Up Community Circles:
- Physical setup: Arrange seats in a circle without barriers for optimal engagement.
- Establish guidelines: Co-create rules emphasizing respect, confidentiality, and active listening.
- Teacher involvement: Teachers remain present to demonstrate commitment and contribute insights.
3. Implementing Community Circles:
- Introduction phase: Initiate with lighthearted topics to build trust and rapport.
- Progression: Transition to deeper discussions on topics like personal integrity and community contribution.
- Varied approaches: Utilize storytelling, multimedia, and interactive activities within circles to engage students.
4. Benefits of Community Circles:
- Transformational impact: Promotes empathy, breaks down social barriers, and fosters a sense of belonging.
- Encourages active listening: Emphasizes that participation includes both speaking and listening.
- SEL integration: Aligns with Social and Emotional Learning objectives, enhancing emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills.
5. Resources and Further Exploration:
- Book recommendation: "Circle Forward" serves as a comprehensive guide to implementing community circles.
- Prompts and check-ins: Access resources for engaging circle activities and check-ins to deepen student participation.
- Training opportunities: Explore professional development to enhance circle facilitation skills.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcast
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