Welcome
Open Circle provides a unique, evidence-based social and emotional learning program for grades K-5. Working with administrators, educators, counselors, and staff from across the school, Open Circle aims to:
- Proactively develop children’s skills for recognizing and managing emotions, empathy, positive relationships and problem solving
- Help schools develop a community where students feel safe, cared for and engaged in learning.
Open Circle News
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ARTICLE: Mindful Schools | Two Powerful Conflict Resolution Tools: Mindfulness and Neuroscience
Telling a child to calm down often isn’t enough. Understanding how the brain works and learning how to calm the brain will help children put Open Circle skills into action. Read the...
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ARTICLE: Boston Globe | Is it bullying or just a playground conflict? Many parents find it hard to let kids work it out
It is wonderful that today's parents and schools are taking action against bullying. But sometimes we can get confused between what is bullying and what is a normal childhood conflict. Social and emotional learning helps kids to understand the difference and know when it's time to tell a trusted...
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Did you know Open Circle curates SEL literature?
Peg Sawyer, Open Circle Trainer and Coach, reviews children's literature that relates to social and emotional learning. See our list of recommened children's literature
How We Help Schools & Communities
Open Circle’s whole-school approach:
- Unites schools with common vocabulary
- Improves school climate
- Increases students’ use of prosocial and critical thinking skills
- Reduces negative behaviors such as peer exclusion, bullying and fighting
- Strengthens educators' facilitation and SEL (social emotional learning) skills
- Frees up time for academics through proactive behavior management
