Social Emotional Learning at Home

Engage in meaningful conversations at home

As humans, we are hardwired for connection. We may not feel a real depth of connection through small talk, and likely feel even less fulfilled scrolling news or social media.  But, we do feel closer with a warm heart-to-heart.

In school, we try to build a genuine feeling of belonging through circle conversations where each person has a chance to share their stories and hear other perspectives. These circles fosters trust, communication, empathy and social emotional learning skills.

You can hold these circles at home to continue fostering trust, communication, empathy and social emotional learning skills outside of school. 

How to hold a circle conversation

  • Gather the family in a true circle
  • Choose a meaningful item to serve as the talking piece
  • Everyone takes a few deep breaths
  • The facilitator opens with the quote and then asks the first question to the group
  • The facilitator shares their answers first and then passes the talking piece to the right
  • Only the person holding the talking piece may speak

Keep these guidelines in mind

  • Respect: Respect the talking piece
  • Speak: Speak from the heart
  • Listen: Listen from the heart
  • Trust: Trust you will know what to say
  • Say: Say just enough

Circle Topics

Community Circles in Action