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Safe Space Circles

Lesson Plan

Safe Space Circles Plan

Students will develop active listening and supportive feedback skills by participating in a structured peer circle, practicing turn-taking, reflective listening, and positive affirmations.

Cultivating trust and empathy through guided circle activities strengthens peer relationships, boosts self-esteem, and fosters a supportive classroom environment.

Audience

8th Grade Group

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Structured circles with prompts.

Materials

Circle Guidelines Slides, Peer Listening Prompts, Positive Affirmation Exit, Talking piece (e.g., a small object), Timer or stopwatch, and Notebooks and pens

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction

5 minutes

  • Welcome students and explain the purpose of Safe Space Circles
  • Emphasize confidentiality and respect
  • Introduce the talking piece: only the holder may speak
  • Outline the flow of the activity

Step 2

Review Guidelines

5 minutes

  • Display Circle Guidelines Slides
  • Discuss each guideline: active listening, no interruptions, respect, confidentiality
  • Invite student examples for each guideline

Step 3

Active Listening Practice

15 minutes

  • Arrange chairs in a circle and distribute the talking piece
  • Pass the piece; each student draws a card from Peer Listening Prompts
  • Student holding the piece shares their response to the prompt
  • Listeners practice reflective listening: paraphrase the speaker’s main idea before responding
  • After each share, one peer offers supportive feedback or affirmation

Step 4

Positive Affirmation Exit

5 minutes

  • Hand out Positive Affirmation Exit sheets
  • Students write one positive affirmation or thank-you note to a classmate
  • Optionally, invite volunteers to share their affirmations aloud
  • Collect sheets to display on a classroom kindness board
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Slide Deck

Circle Guidelines

• Active Listening
• No Interruptions
• Respect
• Confidentiality

Introduce this slide to students by explaining that these guidelines will help create a safe, respectful space for everyone. Invite them to briefly skim the list before diving into each rule.

Active Listening

👂 Give your full attention to the speaker.
Paraphrase or reflect before responding.

Explain that active listening means giving your full attention to the speaker. Model how to paraphrase what you heard before responding. Emphasize eye contact, nodding, and open body language.

No Interruptions

🤐 Only the student with the talking piece may speak.
Wait your turn patiently.

Remind students that only the person holding the talking piece may speak. Use this rule to reinforce turn-taking and ensure everyone is heard without feeling rushed.

Respect

🤝 Honor each person’s perspective and feelings.
Use supportive words and gestures.

Discuss what respect looks and sounds like in a circle: kind tone, supportive gestures, and valuing diverse viewpoints. Encourage positive non-verbal cues.

Confidentiality

🔒 What’s shared here stays here.
Trust is built on privacy and safety.

Stress that confidentiality builds trust. Everything shared in the circle stays among participants. Explain exceptions (e.g., safety concerns) as needed.

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Discussion

Peer Listening Prompts Cards

Use these prompts for the circle activity. Each student draws one card and shares their response while others practice reflective listening and supportive feedback.

  1. Describe a time you felt really proud of yourself. What happened? How did you feel?


  2. Share one quality you appreciate in a friend and why it matters to you.


  3. Talk about a challenge you overcame recently. How did you handle it?


  4. Describe something that makes you feel calm or relaxed.


  5. Talk about a goal you’re working toward and why it’s important to you.


  6. Recall a time when someone gave you a compliment. How did it make you feel?


  7. Share a hobby or activity that helps you express yourself.


  8. Describe a situation where you practiced kindness toward someone else.


  9. Talk about something that stressed you out recently and how you coped.


  10. Share one piece of advice you’d give to someone starting middle school.


  11. Describe a personal strength you have and give an example of how you use it.


  12. Share a moment when you felt supported by someone in this class.


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Cool Down

Positive Affirmation Exit

Please write the name of one classmate and a positive affirmation or thank-you note to them.

Classmate Name: ____________________________

Affirmation/Note:






(Optional) How did writing this affirmation feel?



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