Once or twice a week, teachers and students move their chairs into a circle. Often, an extra chair is included to welcome anyone from outside the class who might choose to join in. Because of this additional chair and the inclusiveness it signifies, the meeting is called Open Circle. Orchestrated by teachers and fueled by extensive input from children, Open Circle creates a format and time for students to learn specific social skills such as listening, cooperating, being a responsive and responsible leader and dealing with differences. They take these discussions very seriously.
Parents report that children use the language and strategies of social competency outside of school.
For example, a third grader about to reclaim ownership of a game from her younger brother stepped back, took several deep breaths, waited and then calmly explained a way the rightful owner could be determined. As an option, she also suggested a method for sharing. The school has held meetings and offered workshops for parents. In these, parents are taught and practice the same or parallel skills for cooperation and mutual problem-solving at home. Participants report the benefits of sharing with one another.