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Circle of Memories

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Lesson Plan

Circle of Memories Lesson Plan

Students will reflect on their school year’s highlights, challenges, and growth through a guided circle discussion using a talking piece and collaboratively create an end-of-year memory card, fostering closure and excitement for next steps.

By sharing experiences and celebrating achievements, students practice emotional processing, listening skills, and group support, building positive closure and optimism for the future.

Audience

4th-6th Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Circle discussion with talking piece and collaborative art

Materials

  • Talking Piece (e.g., a special object to pass around), - Feelings Chart (poster paper), - Sticky Notes, - Markers and Colored Pencils, - Large Poster Paper, - Tape or Adhesive, and - Chairs Arranged in a Circle

Prep

Prepare the Space and Materials

10 minutes

  • Arrange chairs in a circle to foster equal participation
  • Place a large “Feelings Chart” poster paper where everyone can see it
  • Select and place the Talking Piece in the center of the circle
  • Gather sticky notes, markers, colored pencils, poster paper, and tape
  • Test any audio/visual equipment if you plan to play brief background music

Step 1

Welcome & Introduction

5 minutes

  • Welcome students to the “Circle of Memories” and explain today’s purpose: to reflect on and celebrate the past school year
  • Review circle norms: respectful listening, confidentiality, one speaker at a time
  • Introduce the Talking Piece rules: only the person holding it speaks; pass it clockwise when finished
  • Outline the flow: check-in, memory sharing, creative card, and closure

Step 2

Emotion Check-In

5 minutes

  • Start with the Talking Piece and share one word or emoji describing how you feel about the school year ending
  • Write your word/emoji on a sticky note and place it on the Feelings Chart
  • Pass the Talking Piece until every student has shared

Step 3

Reflective Circle Sharing

10 minutes

  • Continue passing the Talking Piece; when you hold it, choose one prompt to share:
    • My favorite moment this year
    • A challenge I overcame and how I did it
    • Something new I learned
    • A person (friend or teacher) I’m grateful for
    • One thing I’m excited about next year
  • Encourage attentive listening and keep passing until time is up or all have shared

Step 4

Collaborative Memory Card

8 minutes

  • Lay the large poster paper in the center of the circle
  • Invite students to illustrate or write a note about their highlight, lesson learned, or hope for next year directly on the poster or on sticky notes to add
  • Use markers and colored pencils to decorate the card with drawings, colors, or doodles
  • Ensure each student contributes at least one message or drawing

Step 5

Closure & Forward Look

2 minutes

  • Pass the Talking Piece one final time; each student names one goal or wish for the coming year
  • Collect the completed memory card to display in the classroom or share at the year-end assembly
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