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The Listening Circle

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Shanté Wilkerson

Tier 1
For Schools

Lesson Plan

The Listening Circle

Foster community and respect

In this lesson, students will participate in a listening circle where they take turns sharing and listening to stories or experiences. This activity is important as it fosters a sense of community and respect for each other's voices, helping students develop empathy and active listening skills. The lesson is tailored to accommodate the developmental differences in a mixed-grade 4/5 class.

Audience

Bridge 4/5 Class

Time

45 mins

Approach

Foster community and respect

Materials

Talking piece (e.g., a small object), and Discussion Guide

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

  • Welcome students and explain the purpose of the listening circle.
  • Discuss the importance of listening and sharing in building a community.
  • Introduce the talking piece and explain its role in the circle.

Step 2

Guidelines for Participation

5 mins

  • Establish ground rules: one person speaks at a time, respect each other's stories, and maintain confidentiality.
  • Encourage students to listen actively and share openly.
  • Provide examples of active listening behaviors, such as nodding and asking questions.

Step 3

Sharing Session

25 mins

  • Begin the circle by sharing a simple personal story or experience as a model.
  • Pass the talking piece around the circle, allowing each student a chance to share.
  • Encourage students to speak from the heart and listen with empathy.
  • Offer prompts or questions to help younger students think of what to share.

Step 4

Reflection

10 mins

  • Facilitate a group discussion using the provided discussion guide.
  • Ask students to reflect on what they learned about their classmates and themselves.
  • Discuss how the skills practiced in the circle can be applied in everyday life.
  • Use simpler language and examples to ensure understanding across grades.

Step 5

Closure

5 mins

  • Thank students for their participation and openness.
  • Reinforce the importance of listening and sharing in building a supportive community.

Step 6

At-Home Activity: Empathy Challenge

N/A

  • Encourage students to perform one act of kindness each day for a week, inspired by something they learned about a classmate or family member during the listening circle.
  • Ask them to reflect on their experiences and be prepared to share with the class how these acts of kindness made them feel and how they impacted others.
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Discussion

Discussion Guide

This guide will help facilitate the reflection discussion after the listening circle. It includes questions to encourage students to think about their experiences and the importance of listening, with adjustments for mixed-grade levels.

What did you learn about your classmates today?

Encourage students to share specific insights or stories that stood out to them. Use simple language for younger students.







How did it feel to share your story?

Discuss the emotions involved in sharing personal experiences and being heard. Provide examples of feelings to help younger students express themselves.







Why is listening important in a community?

Guide students to think about the role of listening in understanding and supporting each other. Use relatable examples for younger students.







How can we apply what we learned today in our daily lives?

Encourage students to think of practical ways to incorporate active listening and empathy into their interactions. Offer suggestions to help younger students.







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