For the Caring School Community program to have the greatest impact, students need to sit in a circle. A circle lets the students address one another face to face, puts everyone on equal footing, and encourages open conversation. It also creates a sense of togetherness essential to building community.
A circle on the rug for K–5 Morning Circles works well. If it is not feasible to have students seated on the rug, or if chairs are preferred for Morning Circle seating, teach the students a procedure in which they quickly rearrange themselves to sit facing one another in a circle formation. As with any procedure, students will need to practice so they can move quickly in and out of the circle.
We recommend that Class Meetings are held with chairs arranged in a circle, which allows the students to sit comfortably for a longer period of time than when they sit on the floor. Students learn procedures for bringing their chairs to the circle in a safe and orderly way, participating in the Class Meeting, and returning with chairs to their desks afterward.
Teachers should be seated at the same level as students during Morning Circles and Class Meetings. This allows you to be seen as the facilitator of the conversation rather than as the main voice in the conversation.