So now that you know what a closing circle is,

here is why you need to be having one

EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.

Don’t know where to start?  Use the closing circle cards I created to take out the guesswork.

 

1. It offers the consistency kids need.

As you know, when there is consistent daily schedule in place, your students will feel secure.  They will feel more confident when they know what to expect each afternoon, and will enjoy taking part in the predictable activities involved in a closing circle.  This will help to end the day in a calm, peaceful way, which is the goal!

 

2. It creates an enthusiasm for the next day.

Just as a morning meeting sets the tone for the day ahead, a closing circle is a way to wrap up the day, and create a buzz and excitement around the following day!

When the kids spend the last 5-10 minutes of their day laughing and spending meaningful time together, they will no doubt look forward to seeing each other again.  When their parents ask, “How was school today?” your students will remember the closing circle.

 

3.  It helps students to feel loved and connected.

When students are celebrating each other during closing circle, they feel encouraged and valued.  When you point out positive class accomplishments, they feel part of a team, a sense of belonging.  The students know they matter, to you and to their classmates.  Furthermore, a closing circle offers a space where kids can openly share their thoughts and feelings.  This helps to build strong positive relationships, where students trust one another, creating a learning environment where they can take risks.  Overall, it will help to build your classroom community!

 

4.  It isn’t majorly focused on academics or behavior.

Since backpacks are already packed up to go home, kids instantly feel less pressure.  It doesn’t matter if someone really struggled to get through a math assignment or someone still hasn’t mastered their sight words.  That’s not the point. However, it can be helpful to reflect on what students have learned, or make connections (ex.  What was your favorite center in reading today? Why?  or Y’all did awesome with our time lesson today!  Remember to check around your house tonight and find lots of examples of digital and analog clocks!)

It’s also not a time to focus on problems going on in the class, or specific behavior issues.  Students do not need to worry about discussing their behavior choices  (there is a time and a place for that).  It’s important to keep it positive, and not have a child crying because they didn’t get a smiley face written in their agenda.  A closing circle is a time to have fun with their friends, and reflect on the positive moments of their day.   The school day is ending and “the slate is wiped clean,” so to speak.

 

5. It doesn’t take long.

If you can only swing 3 minutes, pick a short activity you can do well; it will still be worth it.  I PROMISE.  It doesn’t have to take long to be meaningful and make an impact.  If you feel like you can’t find the extra time at dismissal- perhaps think about re-modeling getting packed up and ready to go.  Have students try to beat their time each day.  Make sure there are afternoon jobs set up so students can help tie up those afternoon loose ends (have a student be in charge of passing out papers to go home, a pencil sharpener, a table wiper, a chair stacker, etc).  Have a responsible buddy help out those couple students who may need more support this time of day.

 

5.  It’s good for you, too!

The Responsive Classroom website says,  “A hectic dismissal can leave teachers feeling exhausted and unproductive, even if the majority of the day went smoothly.  After using closing circles, many teachers report more positive energy and attitudes not only in their students, but in themselves as well.”

I can one hundred percent attest to this!  I started feeling more encouraged and looking forward to the next day.  Real talk? After implementing a closing circle, I felt less “Omg that was a disaster. I’m exhausted.  I need to get out of here.” and a lot more “Aww they were cute this afternoon.  I can do this. What do I need to prep for tomorrow?”

 

Bottom line- when you are not doing a closing circle,

you are really doing your students a disservice, as well as yourself!

 

Make it a daily non-negotiable.

 

I want to know- what excites you about a closing circle?

 

Here is a real example of a closing circle in my classroom.

Not sure where to start?  If you are interested in using the same closing circle cards I do, check them out here.