UNIT 3: What are Circle Meetings?
Behaviour Management - Active Citizenship, School and parent Engagement
What are Circle Meetings?
Circle Meetings are weekly meetings that take place in the school setting. Learners and teachers sit or stand in a circle to allow everyone to be included and to participate in the meeting fully. The shape of the circle is important as it means everyone has equal importance in the meeting, including the teacher. The meetings are a teaching tool which gives both learners and teachers the opportunity to communicate with each other about issues affecting the school community, where everyone can see and hear each other.
Circle Meetings help to develop self-esteem, positive behaviour, and a supportive school environment. They help to build a learner-centred learning community where learners have the opportunity to develop and build positive and supportive connections with others. It also gives learners opportunities to be reflective and practise their social skills e.g. how to listen carefully and respectfully, take turns to speak, speak clearly so others can hear and understand.