Resources

The resources shared are intended for you to use as you think through your instructional planning and are not intended to be used directly with students. Always check your district policies prior to sharing resources with your students.

The Power of Circles!

Circles are a simple but powerful structure to use during advisory because it creates visibility & belonging, equity of voice, and ritual & consistency. Circles center people and create space for authentic connection. This humanizes both peers and adults, strengthening trust. Below are a few resources and tips you can use as you start and/or continue using circles during Mountaineer Mondays.

Circle Agreements / Norms

We know norms are important for the classroom in general, but they are especially important when it comes to circles! Below are some sample circle agreements, or norms, that you can use and adapt. Remember, agreements are most powerful when students have an input, so ask them what else they may want to add to make them feel comfortable sharing their thoughts when they are in circles.

- Speak from the heart - Share your own truth, ideas, or stories (not what you think others want to hear)
- Listen from the heart - Listen with respect and without judgement.
- Respect the talking piece - Only the person with the talking piece speaks; everyone else listens
- Equity of voice - Everyone has the right to pass, and everyone has the right to be heard.
- Assume positive intent - Enter the conversation with curiosity and goodwill.

Tips & Suggestions

- Be sure everyone (students and adults) are sitting in an unbroken circle, with no one being in front of or behind others.
- No one needs anything in their lap. This can distract from listening to others, so encourage everyone to leave their things and just bring themselves!
- Your talking piece can be anything, but again, it's sometimes more meaningful to choose an item that is significant to the group as a whole.
- Ensure everyone is sticking to the norms; and when they aren't, address it right away.
- Start with easy, low-stakes questions at first to get everyone comfortable. Then, as the group strengthens their relationship, you can make the questions deeper. Ask students to offer up questions to discuss as well.

National Hispanic Heritage Month

National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed each year from September 15 through October 15. It’s the perfect time to recognize and celebrate the unique cultures, histories, and contributions made by Americans whose ancestors trace their roots back to Spain, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. The resources below will help you find some exciting ways to celebrate Hispanic heritage with your class!