Kihei Elementary School, Maui

A couple of weeks ago I had to provide sub coverage in a classroom. I looked on the board and saw “Morning Circle” on the schedule. I asked the kids to explain to me what it was about. They got very excited and all came together on the floor.

The whole class gathered in a seated circle in the front of the class. The student to my right grabbed a stuffed animal and began to share what she was feeling. While the student was talking, no one else spoke. When she was done, she passed the “stuffie” to the next student, who then shared whatever was on his mind. The stuffie was passed around, some students chose to share and others chose to pass.

Many students shared deeply personal information and while they shared, the others just listened. No comments or judgements were made.

It was a safe space to be heard and to just listen to one another. It was one of the best experiences I have shared with students so far this year.

We must remember to make time to share and listen to one another. It helps us all learn to be compassionate and helps us to build relationships with one another.

Mrs Nicole McCombs, Vice Principal