Formal Observation Two: Peacekeeping Circle

Maura Robillard
Standard 1: Oral Expression and Listening
- 1.1 “Collaborate effectively as group members or leaders who listen actively and
respectfully; pose thoughtful questions, acknowledge the ideas of others; and
contribute ideas to further the group’s attainment of an objective.”
Standard 2: Emotional Development
- CH.1.3.1 “Demonstrate how to express emotions in healthy ways.”
Main Purpose: Students practice using peacekeeping language to express concerns and share
appreciations with other class members. Students also practice identifying their own feelings in
order to build SE skills. Students are expected to be active and respectful listeners, and those
with the talking piece are expected to speak loudly and clearly, and to make eye contact with
the person they are speaking with (if they feel comfortable).

Activity breakdown:
1:30- students bring their chairs to the rug and create a circle.
1:35-2:10 - I lay down the flag and the objects and explain the purpose and objectives as well as
expectations, then begin the activity. Expectations include
- Only the person with the talking piece will speak, others will listen with an open
heart and an open mind
- It is important to tell the truth not only in the circle but also in life
- What is said in circle stays in circle, we will not gossip about what is said
- The purpose of this peacekeeper circle is to build community in our class and to
practice identifying our feelings and being active listeners.
- If someone concerns you you may respond with “I understand you felt ___ when I
___” or the full apology of “I understand you felt ___ when I ___, in the future I
will____”. There will be no arguing, and you may not concern them back.
Begin the activity:
- This first round you will get your name in the circle and share one word that
describes how you are feeling today, but not the reason why. (There is a feelings
chart for reference and all the children have learned the meanings of these words
earlier in the year)
- For the second round you may share an appreciation
 - For the last round, if you skipped you will have the opportunity to share an
appreciation. This is also the time to share any concerns you may have. Remember
if someone concerns you you may respond with “I understand you felt ___ when I
___” or the full apology of “I understand you felt ___ when I ___, in the future I
will____”. There will be no arguing, and you may not concern them back.
- What did you guys notice about the circle today?

The noticings about the circle is the informal assessment to hear what the students thought and
felt about the activity.