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Circle Time Champions

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Lesson Plan

Circle Time Champions Plan

Students will learn and practice three clear circle‐time expectations—respect, active listening, and understanding consequences—and track their behavior to earn end‐of‐session rewards like games or outdoor breaks.

Establishing consistent norms and a positive reward system builds a cooperative community, reduces off‐task behavior, and empowers students to take ownership of their circle‐time interactions.

Audience

6th Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, role‐play, and token economy

Materials

Circle Time Expectations Poster, Active Listening Cue Cards, Consequences Chart, Reward Choice Chart, Reward Tokens (e.g., plastic chips or stickers), Countdown Timer, and Whiteboard and markers

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction and Objective Review

4 minutes

  • Welcome students to circle time and state the lesson’s goal: to learn and follow three key expectations and earn rewards
  • Show the Circle Time Expectations Poster and briefly read each expectation aloud
  • Explain that following these norms earns Reward Tokens toward a choice at the end

Step 2

Discuss and Define Expectations

8 minutes

  • Focus on each norm: Respect, Active Listening, and Understanding Consequences
  • For each: ask students to give examples of what it looks/sounds like
  • Record student examples on the whiteboard next to each expectation
  • Encourage clarifying questions to ensure shared understanding

Step 3

Role‐Play Practice

8 minutes

  • Pair students and give each pair a scenario card from the Active Listening Cue Cards
  • One student models the norm (e.g., listening without interrupting), the other provides feedback
  • Rotate pairs so each student practices at least two scenarios
  • Circulate to prompt reflection and correct misunderstandings

Step 4

Explain Consequences & Reward System

5 minutes

  • Show the Consequences Chart and explain what happens if expectations aren’t met (e.g., warning, time-out)
  • Display the Reward Choice Chart outlining end-of-session options
  • Describe how many Reward Tokens earn each choice (e.g., 5 tokens = 10 mins game time)
  • Answer student questions

Step 5

Closing, Monitoring & Token Distribution

5 minutes

  • Conduct a mini circle‐time using the Countdown Timer—students apply norms immediately
  • Observe behaviors and distribute Reward Tokens in real time for adherence
  • At the end, tally tokens and let students select their reward from the Reward Choice Chart
  • Collect quick feedback: thumbs up/down on whether they felt respected and listened to today
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Slide Deck

Circle Time Champions

Building Respect, Active Listening & Rewards in Circle Time

Welcome students warmly. Introduce today’s lesson title and purpose: building a positive circle-time environment.

Today’s Objective

• Learn three key circle-time expectations: Respect, Active Listening, Consequences
• Practice these norms through discussion and role-play
• Earn tokens to choose a reward at the end of the session

State the lesson objective clearly while pointing to the poster.

Our Three Expectations

  1. Respect
  2. Active Listening
  3. Understanding Consequences

(See the Circle Time Expectations Poster)

Display and briefly review the poster. Ask students to repeat each expectation.

Respect

• Treat classmates and teacher kindly
• Use polite words and body language
• Value others’ ideas and space

Read the definition of Respect. Invite 2–3 student examples of respectful behavior during circle time and record on the board.

Active Listening

• Face the speaker and make eye contact
• Remain quiet and avoid interrupting
• Nod or give small verbal cues (e.g., “I see,” “Okay”)

(Use Active Listening Cue Cards)

Explain the components of Active Listening. Pass out cue cards for reference. Model one example.

Understanding Consequences

• Warning for first misstep
• Time-out or loss of token for repeated misbehavior
• Aim to help everyone stay on track

(View the Consequences Chart)

Clarify what happens if expectations aren’t met. Walk through warning and time-out steps.

Role-Play Practice

  1. Pair up and pick a scenario from the Active Listening Cue Cards
  2. One student models, the other gives positive feedback
  3. Switch roles and repeat with a new scenario
  4. Rotate so each student practices two times

Explain how pairs will role-play. Emphasize feedback roles and rotating partners.

Consequences & Rewards

• Earn 1 Reward Token for each example of norm adherence
• 5 tokens = 10-minute game / outdoor break / homework pass
• Watch the Reward Choice Chart for options

Detail how tokens are earned and traded for rewards. Show charts and answer questions.

Mini Session & Feedback

• Use the Countdown Timer and practice norms now
• Teacher awards tokens for on-task behavior
• Tally tokens and let students choose a reward
• Quick exit check: thumbs up/down if you felt respected and listened to today

Lead a 3-minute mini circle-time activity using the timer. Distribute tokens in real time. Close with quick feedback.

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Activity

Circle Time Expectations Poster

🤝 Respect

  • Treat classmates and teacher kindly
  • Use polite words & body language
  • Value others’ ideas & personal space

👂 Active Listening

  • Face the speaker and make eye contact
  • Stay quiet—no interrupting
  • Show you’re listening: nod or give small verbal cues ("I see," "Okay")

⚖️ Understanding Consequences

  • Warning on first misstep
  • Time-out or loss of token for repeated off-task behavior
  • Goal: help everyone stay focused and respectful

🎯 Be a Circle Time Champion!
Follow these expectations to earn Reward Tokens and choose a fun end-of-session activity: games, outdoor break, or homework pass!

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Activity

Active Listening Cue Cards

Use these cards for role-play practice. Each card describes a scenario and a specific listening task. Print, laminate, cut along the lines, and let each pair pick a card. Students take turns as Speaker and Listener; then swap roles and draw a new card.

Card 1

Scenario: You tell your partner about your favorite hobby.
Listening Task: Face the speaker, nod, and then share one detail you heard.

Card 2

Scenario: Your partner explains how to solve a math problem step by step.
Listening Task: Maintain eye contact, avoid interrupting, and ask one clarifying question at the end.

Card 3

Scenario: Your partner shares what they did over the weekend.
Listening Task: Use non-verbal cues (nodding), then summarize their story in one sentence.

Card 4

Scenario: Your partner expresses an opinion about a book they read.
Listening Task: Listen quietly, then respond with “I understand that you feel…,” before giving your own view.

Card 5

Scenario: Your partner gives instructions for a two-player classroom game.
Listening Task: Listen for each step, then repeat the instructions back in the correct order.

Card 6

Scenario: Your partner is upset about a lost item and describes how they feel.
Listening Task: Listen empathically, then say, “That sounds frustrating because…” to acknowledge their feelings.

Card 7

Scenario: Your partner uses new, challenging vocabulary words in a short story.
Listening Task: Pay close attention and politely ask, “What does ___ mean?” when you hear an unfamiliar word.

Card 8

Scenario: Your partner speaks quickly about their recent trip.
Listening Task: Focus fully, then ask one follow-up question to clarify a detail you missed.

After 3–4 minutes, switch roles and draw a new card. Reflect: Which listening skill felt most challenging?

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Activity

Consequences Chart

Use this chart to guide fair, consistent consequences when circle-time expectations aren’t met.

Expectation Breached1st Misstep2nd Misstep3rd Misstep
🤝 RespectVerbal WarningLoss of 1 Reward Token + brief reflectionTime-out (2–3 minutes)
👂 Active ListeningFriendly ReminderLoss of 1 Reward Token + apology to speakerTime-out (2–3 minutes)
📋 Following DirectionsGentle ReminderLoss of 1 Reward Token + complete Reflection Sheet


Time-out + teacher follow-up

After three missteps, student meets briefly with the teacher to set goals for next circle-time.

🎯 Goal: Help everyone stay on track, feel respected, and earn tokens for a positive end-of-session activity!

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Activity

Reward Choice Chart

Use your Reward Tokens to pick a fun end-of-session activity! Once you’ve earned enough tokens, choose one of the rewards below.

Tokens NeededReward
5 Tokens🎲 10-minute Class Game
5 Tokens🌳 10-minute Outdoor Break
5 Tokens🏠 Homework Pass (skip one assignment)
8 Tokens📚 15-minute Free Reading Time
10 Tokens🎥 20-minute Class Movie or Video

✨ How to Use:

  • Tally your tokens at the end of each session.
  • Check the chart above and decide which reward you’d like.
  • Inform the teacher of your choice before leaving circle time.

🎯 Aim to be a Circle Time Champion every day and unlock more exciting rewards!

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Cool Down

Circle Time Cool Down

Take 5 minutes to reflect on today’s circle time. Answer the prompts below honestly—your feedback helps us all grow as Circle Time Champions!

  1. Which expectation did I follow the best today? (🤝 Respect, 👂 Active Listening, or ⚖️ Understanding Consequences)





    • I followed _____ the best because:
  2. Which expectation was most challenging for me today?





    • I struggled most with _____ because:
  3. What is one specific action I will take next time to improve in that area?











  4. How many Reward Tokens did I earn today? _____





  5. Quick Self-Check: Circle one response for each question below.• Today I felt respected in circle time• Today I felt listened to in circle time
    • 👍 Yes 👎 No
    • 👍 Yes 👎 No

🎯 Keep this exit ticket to track your progress over time. Let’s aim to earn more tokens and build our best circle-time community every day!

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