Circle Solutions for Student Wellbeing

This new edition of Sue Roffey's essential guide to implementing circle time, addresses critical & contemporary issues for students aged 5-18. It has been completely revised, bringing it into line with the ASPIRE principles, and adding many new games and exercises, including some for working on challenging subjects such as gangs and radicalisation. Highlights of this 3rd edition include:

• straightforward instructions on how to set up and run Circles for social and emotional learning (SEL) including the ASPIRE pedagogy for effective implementation
• how to boost the self-worth of students with a wide range of needs
• new content and activities on faith, race, gender, mental health and identity
• Online planning templates

The author's evidence-based approach to building a healthy classroom environment has proven to be a unique and invaluable intervention worldwide, enhancing the social and emotional well-being of both students and teachers.

Table of Contents

Games Index

List of Photocopiable Resources

About the Author

Preface

Acknowledgements

Introduction

Dimensions

ASPIRE Principles

Setting Up and Runnig Circles

Opening, Closing and Mixing Activities

A Positive Sense of Self

Emotional Skills

Friendship

Belonging

Shared Humanity and Ethics

Promoting the Positive for Resilience

Seeking Meaning

Circle Solutions for Challenging Situations

References and Further Reading

"Within the current climate it is easy to forget that education needs to help young people flourish in every dimension of human functioning. Roffey’s unshakable conviction in the development of the whole person reverberates through every page of this new edition. Grounded in contemporary research, Roffey ignites the reader's conviction that 'I can do this too!' Gifting the educator with a treasure chest of fresh, engaging, practical and applicable ideas, this book makes it possible for every teacher to build both the learning and well-being of all young people."
- Kerry Bird, Project Manager for Personal and Social Development Education in Catholic Education - Cairns and Brisbane

"Circle Solutions creatively invites the reader to weave optimistic and positive thinking into young people’s lives, significantly impacting on fundamental aspects of child and adolescent development. The development of resilience, respectful relationships, a sense of belonging, empathy and safety are crucial ingredients in building mental health and wellbeing in young people. Dr Sue Roffey offers practical and effective strategies to build these ingredients that are framed within well founded educational and psychological principles. Circle Solutions gives educators an essential tool to enhance student wellbeing."
- Jill Pearman, Director, MindMatters, Principals Australia Institute

"Grounded in contemporary research, Roffey ignites the reader’s conviction that ‘I can do this too!’   Gifting the educator with a treasure chest of fresh, engaging, practical and applicable ideas, this book makes it possible for every teacher to build both the learning and well-being of all young people."
- Kerry Bird, Project Manager for Personal and Social Development Education in Catholic Education - Cairns and Brisbane