lenny

Participation Circles: Everyone’s Voice Matters

Lesson Plan

Participation Circles: Everyone’s Voice Matters

Encourage students to express their thoughts and feelings in a supportive environment.

This lesson fosters inclusivity, enhances communication skills, and builds community.

Audience

Middle School Students

Time

45 minutes

Approach

Facilitate a structured participation circle.

Materials

Talking Stick, Circle of Chairs, Guideline Poster, and Reflection Journals

Prep

Prepare the Circle Environment

15 minutes

  • Arrange chairs in a circle to ensure everyone is visible to each other.
  • Prepare a talking stick or similar object to signify who has the floor to speak.
  • Create a poster with guidelines for respectful communication and display it prominently.
  • Review the lesson plan and reflection questions to familiarize yourself with the flow of the session.

Step 1

Introduction

5 minutes

  • Welcome students and explain the purpose of the participation circle.
  • Discuss the importance of listening and respecting each other's voices.
  • Introduce the talking stick and explain how it will be used.

Step 2

Set Guidelines

5 minutes

  • Present the guidelines for respectful communication.
  • Encourage students to suggest additional guidelines if needed.
  • Ensure everyone agrees to follow the guidelines.

Step 3

Participation Circle

25 minutes

  • Begin the circle by sharing a prompt or question related to feelings or experiences.
  • Pass the talking stick around the circle, allowing each student to speak or pass.
  • Encourage active listening and ensure everyone has the opportunity to share.

Step 4

Reflection

10 minutes

  • Ask students to reflect on the experience in their journals.
  • Facilitate a brief discussion on what they learned or felt during the circle.
  • Encourage students to share any thoughts on how to improve future circles.
lenny
0 educators
use Lenny to create lessons.

No credit card needed

Slide Deck

Welcome to Participation Circles

Creating a space where everyone’s voice matters.

Welcome students to the session and explain the purpose of the participation circle. Highlight the importance of creating a safe and inclusive environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings.

Session Objectives

  • Encourage expression in a supportive environment.
  • Foster inclusivity and community.
  • Enhance communication skills.

Discuss the objectives of the session. Explain how participation circles can help improve communication skills and foster a sense of community among students.

The Talking Stick

A tool to ensure everyone gets a chance to speak and be heard.

Introduce the concept of the talking stick and how it will be used to manage speaking turns. Emphasize the importance of listening when someone else is speaking.

Guidelines for Respectful Communication

  • Listen actively.
  • Speak respectfully.
  • One person speaks at a time.
  • Everyone’s opinion is valued.

Present the guidelines for respectful communication. Encourage students to suggest any additional guidelines they feel are important. Ensure everyone agrees to follow these guidelines.

Participation Circle

Share your thoughts and feelings on today’s prompt.

Begin the participation circle by sharing a prompt or question. Pass the talking stick around the circle, allowing each student to speak or pass. Encourage active listening and ensure everyone has the opportunity to share.

Reflection and Discussion

  • Reflect on today’s experience.
  • Share your thoughts and suggestions.

Guide students through a reflection activity. Ask them to write in their journals about their experience and what they learned. Facilitate a brief discussion on their reflections and any suggestions for future circles.

Conclusion

Thank you for participating! Let’s continue to make everyone’s voice matter.

Conclude the session by thanking students for their participation. Reinforce the importance of these circles in building a supportive community and encourage them to continue practicing respectful communication.

lenny