Circles Level 1 + 2

The Circles Level 1 + 2 bundle gives you the complete core of the Circles paradigm — the foundational social-boundaries curriculum trusted by educators for over 40 years. If you are looking for a focused, two-program package that takes students from basic boundary awareness through advanced relationship dynamics, this is the bundle for you.

Created by Marklyn P. Champagne and Leslie Walker-Hirsch, the Circles Level 1 + 2 program consists of two complementary curricula designed to teach social and relationship skills to students with disabilities, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), intellectual disabilities, and related conditions.

Level 1 establishes the foundation — teaching the color-coded Circles model, the rules of social distance, consent, and the Five Fundamental Rights. Level 2 builds directly on that foundation, addressing more complex relationship dynamics including dating, rejection, changing friendships, and relationship dissolution.

Together, these programs provide a seamless learning progression that equips students with the social skills they need to navigate relationships with confidence. Both programs include video instruction, digital teacher's guides, and printable handouts. The Circles Level 1 + 2 bundle is available through a Circles subscription (99/yr) or as part of Stanfield+ (99/yr), which unlocks our entire program library. Backed by Harvard-validated research and refined through decades of classroom use, this is evidence-based social education at its best.

The Circles program uses a color-coded concentric circle method that teaches appropriate behaviors, feelings, and actions based on the level of intimacy. The center circle represents the self, and each outer circle represents different levels of relationships — from family members to acquaintances to strangers.

By using the Circles program, students learn about social distance and understand why it is essential to respect boundaries. They discover that hugging and kissing are appropriate behaviors for close family members or friends in the Blue Hug Circle but may not be appropriate for someone in the Orange Wave Circle, such as a mail carrier or grocery clerk. This visual, concrete approach — validated through Harvard research — makes abstract social rules tangible and memorable.

Circles: Intimacy & Relationships, Level 1

Level 1 establishes the complete Circles model, teaching students about the different relationship circles and what behaviors are appropriate at each level. The program introduces the subtle concept of degrees of intimacy within the same circle, allowing for flexibility and variation in how students understand their relationships.

Students learn about three key social boundaries — touch, talk, and trust — and how they apply to each relationship. Through transparent visual icons, students understand that these boundaries may vary at different rates depending on the circumstance and the person. Students also learn that boundaries can be straddled — and that this brings up new risks they need to be aware of to protect themselves.

The updated edition includes emphasis on consent and the right to refuse touch, plus the introduction of the Red Stranger Circle and Red Stranger Space — critical additions for student safety.

Circles: Intimacy & Relationships, Level 2

Level 2 addresses the dynamic and ever-changing nature of relationships — the part of social life that most curricula fail to cover. Students learn to recognize signals of change that indicate circle-jumping, reversal of intimacy levels, rejection of intimacy, or even relationship dissolution. These signals are expressed through touch, talk, and/or trust, and they may not always be mutual.

Through live-action reality stories, students develop strategies for social success and self-protection in real-world situations. They learn how to handle rejection gracefully, recognize when a relationship is ending, and rebuild their social connections. This part of the program gives students the tools they need to navigate the complexities of social interactions in a safe and healthy way — skills built on 40 years of proven classroom practice.

Relationships are an integral part of every person's life. We all need to understand how to navigate them, and it is essential that all students with disabilities have access to this education. The Circles Level 1 + 2 bundle provides an easy-to-follow, progressive curriculum that covers foundational through advanced social skills, ensuring students can learn at their own pace.

After completing both programs, your students will:

• Understand the Circles model and apply it to every relationship in their lives
• Set and maintain healthy boundaries using the touch, talk, and trust framework
• Recognize social signals that indicate relationship changes — and respond appropriately
• Handle rejection with composure and rebuild social connections after relationship dissolution
• Advocate for themselves in social situations with confidence and clarity

The curriculum teaches social and relationship boundaries through concrete, visual methods that make abstract concepts accessible. Students learn about personal space, appropriate touch, consent, and privacy, helping them interact with others respectfully. They also develop effective communication skills — learning to express themselves clearly, listen actively, and respond appropriately to peers, teachers, and other adults.

Completing both Circles levels helps students build lasting confidence and self-esteem. The curriculum promotes self-awareness and self-determination, which are essential for a positive self-image. As students learn about their strengths and challenges, they develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their abilities.

Every lesson in this bundle is grounded in Harvard-validated research and backed by over 40 years of classroom results. Educators consistently report significant improvements in students' social interactions, emotional regulation, and self-advocacy after completing both programs. As educators, it is our responsibility to provide our students with the best available tools — and the Circles Level 1 + 2 bundle is one of the most effective resources for building essential life skills.