Lesson Plan
Circle Up, Resolve It! Lesson Plan
Students will actively participate in a restorative circle to express their perspectives on a conflict, practice active listening, and collaboratively identify steps towards resolution and improved relationships.
Learning to resolve conflicts peacefully and empathetically is a vital life skill. This lesson provides a safe space for students to develop communication strategies and strengthen their relationships, fostering a more positive classroom environment.
Audience
5th Grade Girls
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Through structured discussion and guided reflection.
Materials
- Feelings Check-In Warm-Up, - Restorative Circle Script, - Restorative Circle Guide Discussion, - My Resolution Reflection Cool-Down, and - Talking Piece (e.g., a special stone, small soft ball)
Prep
Review Materials & Set Up Space
10 minutes
- Review the Circle Up, Resolve It! Lesson Plan, Restorative Circle Script, Feelings Check-In Warm-Up, Restorative Circle Guide Discussion, and My Resolution Reflection Cool-Down to familiarize yourself with the content and flow.
- Arrange chairs in a circle, ensuring enough space for all participants.
- Select a suitable talking piece (an object that can be easily held and passed).
- (Optional) Prepare a whiteboard or chart paper for notes during the circle, if needed, though active listening is encouraged over extensive note-taking.
Step 1
Introduction & Ground Rules
5 minutes
- Begin with the Feelings Check-In Warm-Up to set a calm and reflective tone.
- Introduce the purpose of the restorative circle: to address a specific conflict, understand everyone's perspective, and find a way forward together.
- Explain the importance of the talking piece and establish core circle guidelines (e.g., one person speaks at a time, listen with an open heart, speak from personal experience, respect confidentiality).
Step 2
Sharing & Listening
15 minutes
- Facilitate the discussion using the questions from the Restorative Circle Guide Discussion and the Restorative Circle Script.
- Pass the talking piece around the circle, allowing each girl to share her perspective and feelings without interruption.
- Encourage empathy by asking students to reflect on how the conflict impacted others.
Step 3
Moving Towards Resolution
7 minutes
- Guide the group towards identifying what needs to happen to make things right and move forward.
- Encourage collaborative problem-solving, focusing on actionable steps the girls can take.
- Summarize agreements and commitments made.
Step 4
Closing & Reflection
3 minutes
- Conclude the circle with the My Resolution Reflection Cool-Down.
- Thank everyone for their participation and bravery.
- Reinforce the value of open communication and respect.
Discussion
Restorative Circle: Guiding Questions
These questions are designed to help facilitate a safe and productive restorative circle. Remember to use the talking piece and ensure everyone has a chance to speak without interruption. Encourage active listening and empathy.
Opening Questions (Initial Sharing)
- When the talking piece comes to you, please share one feeling you are bringing to our circle today. You can say, "I am feeling..."
- What happened? (Each person shares their perspective, focusing on
Script
Restorative Circle Script: Let's Talk it Out!
Teacher: "Welcome, everyone. Thank you for joining our circle today. We're here to talk about what's been happening, listen to each other, and find a way to make things better. Remember, in our circle, everyone's voice is important, and we listen with respect."
Teacher: "To help us share, we'll use our talking piece. Only the person holding the talking piece speaks. When you have it, please speak from your heart and share what you need to say. When you're done, you can pass it to the next person."
Feelings Check-In (Refer to Feelings Check-In Warm-Up for prompts)
Teacher: "Let's start by checking in with how everyone is feeling. When the talking piece comes to you, please share one feeling you are bringing to our circle today. You can say, 'I am feeling...'
(Pass the talking piece around the circle. Allow each student to share their feeling without interruption.)
Understanding What Happened (Refer to Restorative Circle Guide Discussion for prompts)
Teacher: "Thank you for sharing your feelings. Now, let's move into understanding what happened. This is a chance for each of you to share your perspective on the situation. Remember to speak about your experience and how it affected you.
(Pass the talking piece around the circle. Use the guiding questions from the Restorative Circle Guide Discussion to facilitate this section, such as: 'What happened? What were you thinking and feeling at the time? Who has been affected by what happened and how? What do you need to do to make things right?'). Ensure each student has a chance to speak without interruption. Encourage active listening and empathy from others.)
Moving Towards Resolution
Teacher: "Thank you for bravely sharing your stories and how you've been affected. Now that we've heard everyone's perspective, let's think about how we can move forward. What needs to happen to make things right and build stronger relationships within our classroom?"
(Facilitate a discussion focusing on solutions and agreements. Encourage students to suggest actionable steps. As students offer ideas, summarize them on a whiteboard or chart paper if desired.)
Teacher: "So, if I'm hearing correctly, we are agreeing to [summarize agreed-upon actions]. Does that sound right to everyone? Is there anything else we need to discuss or agree upon to ensure we can all move forward positively?"
Closing Reflection (Refer to My Resolution Reflection Cool-Down for prompts)
Teacher: "Thank you all for your honesty, courage, and willingness to work together today. Before we close our circle, I want to give everyone a chance to reflect on what we've discussed and what you're taking away from this experience.
(Pass the talking piece again. Use the prompts from the My Resolution Reflection Cool-Down, such as: 'What is one thing you learned or understood better today? What is one commitment you are making to help our classroom community?' or 'How do you feel now compared to the beginning of the circle?').
Teacher: "Thank you again for a powerful and honest conversation. Remember, open communication and respect are key to our classroom community. Let's continue to support each other."
Cool Down
My Resolution Reflection
Take a moment to think about our circle today and the agreements we made.
- What is one thing you learned or understood better today about the conflict or your classmates?
- What is one commitment you are making to help our classroom community and improve relationships?
- How do you feel now compared to the beginning of the circle? Why do you think your feelings have changed (or stayed the same)?
- What is one positive thing you will do this week to show you are committed to the resolution?