Community Circle Guidelines

Purpose:
Create a safe, respectful space where everyone can share and be heard.

Guidelines

1. Speak only when you hold the talking piece.
   • Why do you think having one speaker at a time helps our circle?
     
     
     
     
     
     
2. Listen quietly while others speak.
   • How does quiet listening show respect?
     
     
     
     
     
     
3. Use kind words and show respect.
   • Can you share an example of a kind word or phrase you might use?
     
     
     
     
     
     
4. Everyone’s voice matters.
   • How does it feel when someone really listens to you?
     
     
     
     
     
     

Discussion Prompts

• Which guideline do you feel most confident about following? Why?

• Which guideline might take more practice for our group?

• If someone forgets a guideline, what can we do to help remind them kindly?

Follow-Up Points for Teachers

• Invite students to share real-life examples of when the guidelines helped a conversation go smoothly.
• Model active listening and positive language; pause the circle to review a guideline if needed.
• Recognize and praise moments when students demonstrate the guidelines—e.g., “I noticed Sara waited patiently and listened quietly to Jamal.”

Achievement Reflection Cards

Cut out each card so every student can choose one.

Card 1
What is one skill you are proud of learning this year? What helped you improve?

Card 2
What project or assignment are you most proud of? Why does it stand out?

Card 3
Name a challenge you overcame this year. How did you do it?

Card 4
Share a time when you helped a classmate. How did it make you feel?

Card 5
What is something new you tried and enjoyed? Describe how you felt.

Card 6
Which book or story did you enjoy most this year? What did you like about it?

Card 7
What goal did you set at the start of the year and achieve? How did you reach it?

Card 8
Describe a moment when someone showed kindness to you. What happened?

Card 9
What is one thing you learned about yourself this year?

Card 10
Share a favorite memory from this school year. Why is it special?

Future Wishes Cards

Cut out each card so every student can choose one.

Card 1
What is one new skill you would like to learn over the summer or next school year? Why?

Card 2
Name a book or story you hope to read. What interests you about it?

Card 3
Share one goal you have for making a new friend or strengthening a friendship. How will you do it?

Card 4
What is something creative you want to try (art, music, writing)? Describe what excites you.

Card 5
Think of a place you’d like to visit or explore this summer. What do you hope to learn there?

Card 6
What is a healthy habit you want to start or keep up (exercise, reading, healthy eating)?

Card 7
Share one thing you’d like to improve in class next year (math, writing, teamwork). How will you work toward it?

Card 8
What is a challenge you’re looking forward to tackling next year? Why does it matter to you?

Card 9
Name a fun project or hobby you want to begin. What are your first steps?

Card 10
Imagine one exciting thing you’ll remember about next year or summer. What do you hope it will be?

Talking Piece Template

Purpose:
Provide a simple, customizable object students hold when it’s their turn to speak in a community circle.

Materials Needed

• Cardstock or heavy paper
• Scissors
• Colored pencils, markers, or crayons
• Hole punch (optional)
• Ribbon or yarn (optional)
• Popsicle stick or wooden craft stick (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Draw or print a circle.
   • Using a plate or round object, trace a circle about 4–5 inches in diameter onto cardstock.
2. Decorate the talking piece.
   • Invite each student to color or pattern their circle.
   • Encourage them to write their name or draw symbols that make them feel confident.
3. Cut out the circle.
   • Carefully cut along the outline so each talking piece is a clean circle.
4. Add a handle (choose one):
   a. Tape or glue a popsicle stick to the back of the circle as a handle.
   b. Punch a hole near the edge, thread ribbon or yarn through, and tie a loop for easier holding.
5. Optional: Laminate for reuse.
   • If laminating is available, laminate each talking piece so it can be used year after year.

How to Use

• At the start of each circle, explain that only the student holding their personalized talking piece may speak.
• Students pass their piece clockwise (or choose another direction) when finished speaking.
• Remind the group: “When you hold the talking piece, everyone listens quietly and respectfully.”

Variations & Extensions

• Shape Change: Try stars, hearts, or other shapes instead of circles.
• Theme Decor: Decorate to match a theme (e.g., summer, friendship, growth).
• Class Set: Create a set of identical, laminated talking pieces for quick prep and neutral use.

This simple template ensures every 4th grader has a meaningful object to hold and share their voice in your end-of-year community circles.

Reflect & Connect Exit Ticket

Name: ____________________ Date: __________

1. What was one achievement you heard today that inspired you?
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. What is one hope or goal you’ll work on this summer or next year?
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. How did listening to others’ stories make you feel?
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. Choose one word that describes today’s community circle:

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Thank you for sharing! Keep these reflections in mind as you head into summer. 😊