Circle Lesson Plan

Circle Topic: Community

Type of Circle: Sequential

Goal of Circle: To discuss perseverance through a poem written by Tupac.

Materials: Copy of Tupac’s “The Rose that Grew From the Concrete”

Opening:
 Let’s take a few seconds to make sure we are calmed down and focused. Take a few deep
breaths and get yourself in a positive, open mindset.
 Now, that we are calmed and focused, let’s review our norms:
o Speak from the heart
o Listen from the heart
o Respect the talking piece
o Stories stay, lessons leave
 Today we wanted to talk about the meaning of perseverance. We wanted to do so through
a poem.
Circle Questions:
 First round: Before we start learning about this group, let’s do our check-in round. How
are you doing today? Is there anything going on with you that you need to share with the
group?
o Discuss as needed.
Second round: Take a minute to read the poem and think about the words and meanings that
Tupac might have been talking about.
Discuss student’s responses.
Third round: What is a major goal that you have in your life? What might be something that
might stop you from reaching your goal?
Discuss student’s responses.
Fourth round: What might be the Rose that Tupac was talking about?
o Discuss students’ responses.
Fifth round: What do you think the concrete is that Tupac is talking about? Are there any
“Concretes” in your life?
o Discuss students’ responses as appropriate.
Sixth round: What do you believe are the cracks in the concrete that Tupac is talking about?
What is the biggest opportunity or support that you need to pursue or make your dream into a
reality?
o Discuss students’ responses as appropriate.
Closing:
 Thank you for your work today.
 Summarize the discussion and main points from today’s discussion.
 Before we end our circle, please remember that what was said in circle today stays in the
circle.
The Rose That Grew From Concrete
Did you hear about the rose that grew
from a crack in the concrete?
Proving nature's law is wrong it
learned to walk with out having feet.
Funny it seems, but by keeping its dreams,
it learned to breathe fresh air.
Long live the rose that grew from concrete
when no one else ever cared.

-Tupac Shakur