Mr.T’s class at General Currie elementary school is talking in circles these days. Now that may seem unproductive so let’s put a little context behind.
As part of focusing on the competencies of the new curriculum, teacher James Thesiger’s class is incorporating talking and teaching circles into its weekly routine. The circles, held indoors or on the grass field, serve as a moment of reflection for the Grade 6/7 students.
On one sunny day, on a freshly cut patch of grass, the students were asked by Thesiger to rate how their days had been going and how they felt. Answers could vary and if anyone wasn’t willing to speak much, they didn’t have to. The students passed around a small glass turtle to symbolize their turn to speak.
“I think that class circle is important because I believe it helps our classroom community grow and develop together as we learn all the new wonders of the world and ourselves. Class circle makes us feel connected with our peers and it allows us to understand and support each other with our struggles and successes,” said Jasmine, one of Thesiger’s students.
After students were done sharing their thoughts, feelings and/or ideas, they were asked by Thesiger to brainstorm ideas for preparing for a school play. Students paired up to discuss what an actor needs to do to have a good performance. Ideas were shared and Thesiger wrote them down on a white board.
For instance, student Ale Montoto noted an actor must memorize lines ahead of time in order to have a successful play.
Thesiger called the circle a “sacred place” whereby learning occurs in a holistic manner.
The circle assists Thesiger in facilitating student-led ideas and shows him what issues are on the minds of students.
“This approach to teaching has been an excellent way to strengthen our student’s mental well-being and build social and community health,” said Thesiger.
Helping Thesiger achieve more holistic teaching methods are various teaching methods that have been accepted by the new curriculum guidelines, such as Play is the Way, Mind Up curriculum, Circle Forward and the First Peoples Principles of Learning.
“The new curriculum has inspired us to collaborate and design instruction that includes all of our students in engaging ways in which they have learned to value themselves, each other, and the community with which they are a part of,” said Thesiger.
Aside from facilitating principles of the new curriculum, “class circle” is also a time for students to clear their minds and unwind, if needed. “We are all dealing with a lot of stress, adults and students alike. We have busy lives and lots going on” said Thesiger.
