Free Download: Building Community in the Classroom: A Guide to Connection Circles

Free DownloadsClassroom ResourceEducator Guide

Aug 30

In today’s educational landscape, fostering a sense of community within the classroom is more important than ever. Creating a space where students feel safe, connected, and valued is fundamental to their emotional and academic success. At Resilient Futures, we understand the vital role that educators play in building these communities. Our mission is to empower educators with the tools and knowledge to implement trauma-informed, equity-centered practices that support every student.

One powerful tool we advocate for is the use of Connection Circles. Also known as Morning Circles, Community Circles, or Morning Meetings, these circles are more than just a routine part of the school day. Rooted in restorative practices and Indigenous traditions, Connection Circles are a trauma-informed approach that promotes safety, connection, and respect in the classroom.

In this guide, we will explore the value of Connection Circles, how they align with trauma-informed practices, and provide actionable tips for educators to implement them effectively. We’ll also share insights from industry experts to reinforce the importance of these practices.

Download the Guide

Our guide offers clear steps for setting up a trauma-informed Connection Circle in your classroom or youth program. It includes scripts for teachers, prompts, examples of Morning Mantras, mindfulness exercises, and questions with different emotional levels to foster respect and connection in your classroom community.

The Value of Connection Circles

Connection Circles serve as a research-backed strategy for fostering resilience in students. At Resilient Futures, we emphasize the importance of the 3 C’s of Resilience: Connection, Coping, and Competence. Connection Circles support these principles by:

Connection: Building and deepening relationships among students and between students and teachers.
Coping: Starting each day with a regulation practice to help students manage stress and emotions.
Competence: Encouraging students to express themselves and have a voice and choice in what is discussed.

Through consistent engagement in Connection Circles, educators can create an environment that supports equity, emotional well-being, and academic success.

Expert Insight: "Connection Circles provide a structured yet flexible environment where students can express their thoughts and feelings, fostering a sense of belonging and trust within the classroom community." – Dr. Bruce Perry, child psychiatrist and neuroscientist

Trauma-Informed Benefits of Connection Circles

Connection Circles are particularly beneficial in trauma-informed classrooms. By creating a routine and safe space where every student’s voice is heard, these circles help to build trust and a sense of belonging. According to Dr. Bruce Perry, a leading expert on trauma and brain development, “Relationships are the agents of change, and the most powerful therapy is human love.” Connection Circles foster these healing relationships within the classroom.

Key Benefits:

Fostering Safety and Predictability: The consistent structure of Connection Circles helps create a predictable environment where students feel safe.
Building Trust: As students share their thoughts and feelings, trust is built, not only between students and teachers but also among peers.
Promoting Emotional Regulation: Beginning each circle with a mindfulness exercise or a calming ritual helps students regulate their emotions and prepare for learning.
Encouraging Inclusivity: Connection Circles provide a platform for every student to participate, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued.

Expert Insight: "Establishing clear guidelines and consistent routines in Connection Circles helps create a predictable and safe space, essential for students who have experienced trauma." – Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, pediatrician and advocate for childhood trauma prevention

Implementing Connection Circles

(In our downloadable guide, you’ll find more in-depth direction for each of the following components, as well as teacher scripts, prompts, visuals, and trauma-informed tips)

1. Explaining the Connection Circle to the Class

Begin by explaining the purpose and importance of Connection Circles to your students. Use simple language to convey that these circles are a time to connect, share, and listen to one another in a respectful and supportive environment.

2. Creating Shared Agreements

Co-create a set of agreements with your students to guide the Connection Circle. This process not only ensures that everyone is on the same page but also gives students a sense of ownership and responsibility for the circle’s success. Start with a few core agreements and then invite students to contribute their ideas.

3. Explaining the Seating and Routine

Describe how the class will gather in a circle, emphasizing the importance of everyone being equal—no one is in front or behind anyone else. Outline the steps of the Connection Circle and explain how these routines will help start the day calmly and with a focus on connection.

4. Establishing Connection Circle Rituals

Create rituals that initiate the Connection Circle, such as a Morning Mantra, class handshakes, or greetings. These rituals are not just about routine; they are about building a sense of community and unity within the classroom.

5. Beginning with Mindfulness

Introduce the concept of mindfulness as a daily practice within the Connection Circle. Explain to your students how these exercises benefit both individual well-being and the classroom community as a whole. Mindfulness helps students center themselves, making them more present and ready to engage.

6. The Role of the Teacher

As the leader of the Connection Circle, the teacher’s role is to guide the process by asking questions and facilitating the discussion. Use a Talking Stick or another object to pass around the circle, ensuring that each student has the opportunity to speak or pass if they prefer.

7. Language Considerations

Not all students will be at the same level of language development. Make accommodations for students who are English Language Learners (ELLs) by providing questions ahead of time and offering support to help them participate comfortably. This ensures that the Connection Circle remains an inclusive experience for all students.

Expert Insight: "Inclusive practices within Connection Circles allow every student to be heard, seen, and valued, which is fundamental to their social and emotional well-being." – Zaretta Hammond, educator and author of Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain

Building Trust and Community Through Connection Circles

Building trust is a gradual process that happens over time as students engage in Connection Circles. It is important to start with low-risk questions that are easy and fun to answer. These questions help students become comfortable with the process and begin to build rapport with their peers.

Examples of low-risk questions include:

What is your favorite color?
What is your favorite game?
My favorite weather is…

Once trust and comfort are established, introduce moderate-risk questions that encourage students to reflect more deeply on their feelings and experiences. These questions require a bit more vulnerability and help deepen the connection within the group.

Examples of moderate-risk questions include:

What is one thing you like about yourself?
What is something new you are learning this year?
What is one thing you would do if you never had to sleep?

Finally, as the circle becomes a safe and trusted space, you can introduce high-risk questions that invite students to explore more profound emotions and experiences. These questions should be used thoughtfully and with sensitivity, as they can bring up powerful emotions.

Examples of high-risk questions include:

Who do you talk to when you're upset?
What is something you want people to know about you?
What helps you know you can trust someone?

Trauma-Informed Strategies for Connection Circles

It’s important to recognize that some students may be triggered by even a low-risk question depending on what’s going on in their lives. Here are some trauma-informed strategies to support students who may feel triggered during a Connection Circle:

Recognize and Acknowledge Stress Responses: Observe signs of fight, flight, or freeze behavior without judgment. Acknowledge that these are normal responses to feeling unsafe or overwhelmed.
Offer Choices: Provide the student with options to help them regain a sense of control, such as staying in the circle or taking some time in a designated Peace Corner.
Understand Communication Challenges: Be mindful that the student may struggle with verbal communication when triggered. Use calm, clear, and supportive language to create a safe space.
Maintain Your Own Regulation: As a teacher, it’s crucial to stay calm and self-regulated. Your ability to model this can help co-regulate the student’s emotions.
Follow Up with Compassion: After the circle, check in with the student in a private and supportive manner to ensure they feel seen and cared for.

Expert Insight: "Teaching students to articulate their emotions in Connection Circles is a powerful way to develop emotional intelligence, which is crucial for lifelong success." – Daniel Goleman, psychologist and author of Emotional Intelligence

Practicing Cultural Humility in Connection Circles

Cultural humility is a critical component of trauma-informed practice. When creating questions for the Connection Circle, reflect on your own biases and be mindful of the diverse backgrounds and experiences of your students. This mindfulness ensures that the questions are inclusive and that all students feel valued and understood.

Expert Insight: According to Dr. Rhonda Magee, a professor of law and an expert on mindfulness and social justice, "Cultural humility invites us to embrace the complexity of identity and the need for ongoing learning about ourselves and others." By practicing cultural humility, educators can create a Connection Circle that honors each student's unique identity.

Encouraging Authentic Participation

Model how a Connection Circle will look and feel by going through a simple version of the circle with your students. Start with a low-risk question so they can experience the routine firsthand. Acknowledge and praise students for their participation, reinforcing the authentic aspects of the experience, such as how it made them feel connected or heard.

Important Reminder for Teachers: Connection Circles are about progress, not perfection. It’s okay if every circle doesn’t go exactly as planned. The most important thing is your commitment to consistently showing up for your students, listening to their voices, and creating a space where they feel valued and understood.

Additional Trauma-Informed Tips for Connection Circles

Addressing Diverse Student Needs:
- Cultural Sensitivity in Discussions: During the Connection Circle, incorporate culturally relevant examples, stories, and practices that resonate with students’ diverse backgrounds. This approach ensures that all students feel seen and valued within the circle.
- Flexible Participation in Circles: Recognize that some students may feel anxious or uncomfortable sharing in a group setting. Allow them to contribute in alternative ways, such as through writing or smaller group discussions within the circle, to ease their participation.
- Tailored Support for Diverse Needs: Modify Connection Circle activities to accommodate students with different needs, such as offering visual aids or adjusting questions to ensure every student can engage meaningfully.

Strengthening Classroom Community Bonds:
- Collaborative Circle Activities: Encourage students to work together on group activities within the Connection Circle, such as creating a collective story or planning a small classroom event. These collaborative efforts help build a strong sense of community.
- Peer Mentorship within Circles: Establish a system where older or more experienced students mentor younger peers during Connection Circle sessions. This practice strengthens peer relationships and fosters a supportive classroom environment.
- Celebrating Circle Successes: Use the Connection Circle as a space to celebrate individual and group achievements, no matter how small. Recognizing successes within the circle reinforces a positive and supportive community.
Teaching Healthy and Respectful Communication:
- Role-Playing Scenarios in Circles: Incorporate role-playing activities within the Connection Circle to help students practice navigating challenging social situations. This exercise enhances their empathy, conflict resolution skills, and communication abilities.
- Active Listening Exercises in Circles: Integrate active listening exercises into the Connection Circle, where students practice reflecting back what others have shared before responding. This reinforces the importance of understanding and respecting others’ perspectives.
- Modeling Respectful Language in Circles: Continuously model and encourage the use of respectful and positive language within the Connection Circle, especially during disagreements. Demonstrating calm and assertive communication sets a standard for students to follow.
Creating a Safe and Predictable Circle Environment:
- Consistent Circle Routines: Establish and maintain consistent routines for the Connection Circle. Predictability within the circle creates a sense of safety, especially for students who have experienced trauma.
- Visual Schedules for Circle Time: Use visual schedules to outline what will happen during the Connection Circle. This helps reduce anxiety by letting students know what to expect, making the circle a more comfortable and secure space.
- Safety Signals in Circles: Introduce non-verbal signals that students can use during the Connection Circle if they feel overwhelmed or need a break. This empowers them to communicate their needs discreetly, maintaining their sense of safety.
Building Emotional Literacy in Circles:
- Feelings Check-In at the Start of Circles: Begin each Connection Circle with a feelings check-in where students can name and share their emotions. Using tools like a "feelings wheel" can help students articulate their emotions more clearly, fostering emotional literacy.
- Emotion Regulation Tools in Circles: Regularly practice simple emotion regulation strategies, such as deep breathing or counting, during the Connection Circle. These tools help students manage their emotions effectively within the circle setting.
Encouraging Self-Reflection and Growth in Circles:
- Reflective Journaling After Circles: Encourage students to engage in reflective journaling after participating in a Connection Circle. This allows them to process their experiences, thoughts, and feelings, fostering self-awareness and personal growth.
- Growth Mindset Language in Circles: Incorporate growth mindset language during Connection Circles, emphasizing effort, learning, and improvement. Encouraging phrases like "I can’t do this yet" help students see challenges as opportunities for growth within the circle.
Supporting Students During Circle Conflict:
- Restorative Practices in Circles: When conflicts arise within the Connection Circle, use restorative practices to address the issue. Encourage students involved to express their feelings, listen to each other, and collaboratively find a resolution, reinforcing the circle's purpose as a safe and supportive space.
- Conflict De-escalation in Circles: Teach and model de-escalation techniques within the Connection Circle, such as taking deep breaths or pausing the discussion, to prevent conflicts from escalating and maintain a calm environment.
Fostering Inclusivity and Belonging in Circles:
- Inclusive Celebrations in Circles: Use the Connection Circle to celebrate diverse cultural holidays and traditions. This practice acknowledges and honors the backgrounds of all students, fostering a sense of belonging within the circle.
- Student-Led Circle Activities: Encourage students to take the lead in certain aspects of the Connection Circle, such as choosing discussion topics or facilitating activities. This empowers them and fosters a sense of ownership in the circle, strengthening their connection to the classroom community.

Final Thoughts for Educators

Implementing Connection Circles in your classroom is more than just a daily routine; it’s a powerful tool for fostering trust, safety, and connection among your students. By prioritizing emotional well-being and creating a supportive environment, you’re enhancing your students’ social-emotional skills and laying the foundation for a more inclusive and resilient classroom community.

As you continue to facilitate Connection Circles, keep in mind the trauma-informed tips and key takeaways outlined in this guide. Allow yourself the flexibility to adapt the circle to your students' needs and the dynamics of your classroom. By embracing these practices, you are helping to build a classroom environment where every student can thrive, both emotionally and academically.

We encourage you to start small, stay consistent, and observe the positive impact these practices have on your students. Share your experiences and insights with other educators, and continue to build a community of practice that values connection, inclusivity, and the well-being of all students.

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