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7. Circles

Rather than an activity itself “Circles” presents an attitude in the classroom. My educational philosophy is based on mutual respect on a teacher- students basis and on a student-student basis as well. The teacher that acts as the person guiding the rest of the group to learn a foreign language and a diversity of cultural issues has my total admiration.

How this shows in the classroom begins with the position everyone takes in the group. I always ask my students to get used to sitting in a circle where they can feel equal and comfortable, to learn, make mistakes, or ask a “silly” question, which will definitely have an answer.

The circle is powerful for several reasons:

–no physical barriers interfere

–everyone faces one another

–students can make eye contact

–everybody feels on the same level

–positive atmosphere stays within the circle

Rather than students “assigning” seats to themselves and/ or their favourite classmates thus keeping closed and fixed mini circles within the group, I much more prefer moving them around regularly so they learn how to cooperate and work together in a respectful and helpful manner. It upsets me to hear students feel left out by others. I find it utterly disrespectful.

Particularly I like to have students sit in circles during Monologues and Dialogues as everyone has the chance to watch their classmates, and give opinions and encouragement in a nonjudgmental environment. The feeling of belonging and significance makes sense here.