Teaching & Learning

Morning Circle

You may have heard your child talking about Morning Circle. This is a new routine that all classroom teachers have introduced this year. It has come about through staff professional development in the Berry Street Education Model (BSEM).

Circle routines are nurturing classroom practices that support student engagement, build wellbeing and create positive classroom communities (Roffey 2006). In addition to creating a sense of safety and belonging, a predictable circle ritual evokes positive emotions. It primes students for open, flexible and engaged thinking. 

To commence students stand in a circle shape and begin with a greeting. Every student is acknowledged as they use each other's names, maintain good eye contact, and perhaps give a special greeting such as a fist pump or handshake.

Our school values are stated; compassion, dignity, acceptance and devotion, connecting students to our school community and fostering a sense of belonging. As well as reciting the Acknowledgment of Country

The teacher then focuses on one of our school rules and shares an expectation for positive behaviour for the day such as setting the goal of raising their hand before they speak. 

The teacher then shares any class news and announcements, such as acknowledging birthdays or letting students know about upcoming events. 

The next step is a positive primer game. This could be as simple as singing a song or playing a game.

The circle routine finishes with a reflection on 'what went well' (www). Students share three things they did well during the morning circle. They may share that they showed respect by looking at the speaker or listening attentively during the statement of the school values. The www reflection provides an opportunity for teachers to emphasise and encourage positive behaviours for learning that the students have shown.

The morning roll call and prayer are also included in the morning circle routine.