Lesson Plan
Community Circles Training
Teachers will learn to set up and facilitate Community Circles using structured protocols and discussion prompts. They will practice and reflect on techniques to build inclusive classroom communities and enhance student engagement.
Community Circles cultivate a sense of belonging and trust, leading to improved student participation and social-emotional skills. Equipping K-4 teachers with these Tier 1 strategies strengthens classroom culture and supports all learners.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Review Materials
5 minutes
Step 1
Welcome and Objective Overview
5 minutes
Step 2
Model a Community Circle
8 minutes
Step 3
Teacher Practice
8 minutes
Step 4
Reflection and Action Planning
7 minutes
Step 5
Closing and Next Steps
2 minutes

Slide Deck
Circle Up Together
Materials & Preparation
Learning Objectives
Why Community Circles?
Establishing Group Norms
Modeling a Community Circle
Teacher Practice
Reflection & Action Planning
Next Steps & Closing

Reading


Reading


Worksheet


Slide Deck
Supporting Reluctant Sharers
1. Acknowledge Choice & Offer Roles
2. Low-Stakes & Small-Group Warm-Ups
3. Alternative Expression & Modeling
4. Celebrate & Refine Norms

Reading

