[AlexandraGold]

Using “circles” as a tool in the classroom undoubtedly has an insurmountable amount of benefits for educators and students. I myself have personally experienced this technique in attending and working at a summer camp for the past twelve years. Starting on the very first day of camp, we have always had the bunks of girls form into a circle for an icebreaker. In facilitating discussion, we give every camper the chance to voice topics varying from their favorite ice cream flavor to what they’re looking most forward to that summer. I have noticed that the shape of the circle works well with all age groups, as it requires each camper to listen to one another, equally share the spotlight when it is their turn to talk, and help quieter kids come out of their shell. Like Chicago, I am also a firm believer in allowing a “pass” if they do not feel comfortable responding right away, but eventually making sure to come back to remind them that there opinion always matters, making them truly feel a part of something special.

As a counselor I have used this tool in serious situations as well. When coming across a problematic camper or negative experience that may have occurred during an activity, we use circles to let each camper voice their experience without calling out or judgmental notions. Sometimes solving problems in the classroom that occur between two students may make them feel out-casted or objectified, whereas working in a circle can be a productive way to work through difficult agendas. Every summer we would have these circles sprawled all over the grassy hills, some serious, some silly, but always making headway in growing a connection that is not only respectful of each other, but would provoke us to think for ourselves as well as learn from one another.

As a learner and as a teacher, the best advice I can give with this circle strategy is to give it a chance. There were few occasions that I can recall from high school walking into my English classroom with the desks arranged in a large open circle and not getting extremely excited for discussion that day. I always enjoyed class debates where we used circles and can only hope that future educators become aware of the benefits of encouraging participation and active listening in such an easy, admirable way!

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