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Hello, and welcome to the  Self-Guided Circles Activity!

During this community building circle, everyone will have an opportunity to be a Co-Keeper (facilitator) of the circle.

In your group, decide who will be Co-Keeper number One, Two, Three, Four, Five and Six.

Co-Keeper One:

Welcome AND closing moment

Co-Keeper Two:

Values and Guidelines

Co-Keeper Three:

Opening Round

Co-Keeper Four:

Storytelling Round

Co-Keeper Five:

Storytelling Round

Each Co-Keeper should read through their part before starting the circle;

the highlighted sections are the only parts that are read aloud to the group

Co-Keeper One will check with the group to be sure everyone is ready and start the circle.

Please remember to pass the real or virtual talking piece to your colleagues (co-keepers) throughout the rounds.

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We will continue our storytelling rounds. Please answer the following question:

When you are at your best, what is inspiring you to teach? What fuels your motivation to do this work?

Remember you are always free to pass. I will start and pass to either my right or left.

After this round, let the sixth co-keeper take over with the Closing round.

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Start the circle by welcoming everyone into the circle and asking them to "Close your eyes and take three deep breaths." When you think they are on their third breath, pick one of the following and read it out loud:

“The future is uncertain...but this uncertainty is at the very heart of human creativity.”

― Ilya Prigogine

After this opening, let the second co-keeper take over with the Values and Guidelines round.

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As we begin our circle, let’s review our guidelines and values for our circle.

Speak from the heart: your truth, your experiences, your perspectives

Listen from the heart: let go of stories that make it hard to hear each other

Trust that you will know what to say: no need to rehearse

Say just enough: without feeling rushed, be concise and considerate of the time of others.

Does everyone feel comfortable with the guidelines and values, and do we feel ready to move forward?

After the Circle Guidelines/Values introduce your Talking Piece. Explain:

We will be doing rounds using talking pieces to respond to certain prompts. Each round gives everyone a chance to speak as we take turns in one direction around the circle.  You may hold up your talking piece when it is your turn to speak. You may also choose to ‘pass’ when it is your turn and ask to speak before the end of the round if you wish.  Please remember, if it is not your turn to speak, your job is to listen deeply.

After this round, let the third co-keeper take over with the Opening Round.

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This is an opening round and our opportunity to become comfortable with the process. Starting with myself, let's respond in a few words to the following opening prompt. Please hold up your talking piece when responding.

Prompt: What is a strength or a gift you bring to our school family?

After this round, let the fourth co-keeper take over with the Storytelling Round.

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Let's begin our storytelling rounds. Take a moment and reflect on your own experiences in school.

“Think back to a teacher — formal or informal — who shaped you in ways that still influence you today. Who were they, and what made their impact so powerful?”

Remember you are always free to pass. I will start and pass to either my right or left.

After this round, let the fifth co-keeper take over with the next Storytelling Round.

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Ask everyone to “close your eyes and take three deep breaths.” When you think they are on their third breath, read the following aloud:

"No significant learning can occur without a significant relationship." -James Comer

It emphasizes the importance of strong, positive connections in the learning process. It suggests that genuine relationships, whether between teacher and student or among learners themselves, are essential for effective education and personal growth.

Ask everyone to open their eyes when they feel comfortable, and thank them for their openness and participation in the circle.