Circles Elementary Edition

Social skills form the foundation of every child's development — shaping how they build friendships, navigate conflicts, and understand the world around them. But for younger learners with autism, intellectual disabilities, or affective disorders, these skills can be especially difficult to master. That is exactly why the Circles Elementary Edition was created.

Written by Marklyn P. Champagne and Leslie Walker-Hirsch, Circles Elementary adapts the Harvard-validated Circles paradigm — trusted in classrooms for over 40 years — into a format designed specifically for students ages 6 and up. The program uses video modeling, visual aids, and structured activities to help young learners understand and categorize different types of relationships in a way that feels natural and age-appropriate.

Rather than abstract lectures, Circles Elementary brings concepts to life through real-life scenarios and engaging role-play exercises. Students learn to identify personal boundaries, communicate their needs, and recognize when a situation feels unsafe — all delivered in a relaxed, child-friendly format that keeps even the youngest learners engaged.

The program not only helps children form healthy, appropriate connections with peers and adults, but also provides a critical layer of protection against abuse and exploitation. It includes a comprehensive digital teacher's guide and printable handouts so you can implement lessons immediately. Circles Elementary is available through a Circles subscription (99/yr) or as part of Stanfield+ (99/yr), which unlocks our entire program library.

Since its inception in 1983, the Circles program has continuously evolved, becoming a trusted name in social education and making a significant impact on individuals with disabilities. Validated through research at Harvard University and refined across four decades of classroom use, this program delivers results that educators and families can count on.

This state-of-the-art program addresses the unique, ever-changing nature of relationships of all kinds — and does so in a format specifically adapted for elementary-age learners.

Mastering Boundaries

This addition to the Circles Paradigm helps younger kids master the art of personal space and understand the importance of respecting boundaries — both theirs and those of others. The language and concepts are uniquely tailored to children still in grade school, making complex social rules feel approachable and concrete.

From learning how to communicate effectively with peers to setting boundaries with friends and family members, the skills taught in this curriculum have practical uses that extend far beyond the classroom. Students feel empowered as they put these concepts into practice and start seeing positive results in their relationships.

Building Empathy and Conflict Resolution Skills

Empathy and conflict resolution are major components of the curriculum. Through activities like empathy mapping and conflict resolution role-plays, children learn to see situations from others' perspectives and handle disagreements constructively. These are skills that serve students throughout their entire lives.

Improved Communication

It can be tough for little ones to articulate what they are feeling, especially when they are uncomfortable or unsure how to handle social situations. Circles Elementary emphasizes effective communication skills — teaching your students how to express themselves clearly while also actively listening to the needs and perspectives of others.

Protection Against Exploitation

This course teaches your students the importance of acknowledging and respecting social boundaries. By learning how to identify and maintain personal boundaries, children are better equipped to protect themselves against exploitation and abuse.

Through discussions and real-life scenarios, students understand the concept of consent and learn how to set limits in various situations. They also learn about their rights as individuals and how to advocate for themselves if they feel uncomfortable or unsafe.

Building Community

Circles Elementary fosters a sense of community within the classroom. By participating in group activities and projects, children learn the value of teamwork, collaboration, and inclusivity. They develop an understanding of diversity, empathy towards others' experiences, and appreciation for different perspectives — creating a positive classroom environment where all students feel valued and supported.

The Dynamics of Interpersonal Relationships, Brought to Life

Through video modeling and structured exercises, students gain valuable insights into the dynamics of interpersonal relationships. The program includes role-playing exercises that simulate real-life scenarios — like asking for permission before entering someone's personal bubble. It is rich with visual aids and narratives that make complex ideas accessible to young learners.

Group discussions and engaging activities bring key concepts to life, helping your students develop valuable soft skills like communication and collaboration. The program's hands-on, immersive format makes it easy for students to grasp challenging concepts and celebrate each success along the way.

As Benjamin Franklin famously said, "Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn." Get your students involved with Circles Elementary.

After completing Circles Elementary, your students will have a solid understanding of personal boundaries and the ability to communicate their needs and preferences effectively and empathetically. They will have the skills to constructively resolve conflict as well as to protect themselves from potential exploitation.

Most importantly, your students will not only feel more confident navigating their social world but also exhibit a more profound understanding of personal space and relationship-building. The skills learned are designed to be lifelong assets, aiding students in feeling secure and connected throughout their educational journey and beyond.

Parents and educators alike will notice significant improvements in students' social interactions, self-expression, and overall confidence. Students who complete the program consistently demonstrate better peer relationships, stronger self-advocacy skills, and greater emotional awareness — outcomes backed by the same Harvard-validated research that underpins the entire Circles paradigm.

Because the Circles approach has been refined over 40 years of real classroom use, you can trust that these outcomes are not theoretical — they are proven. At the James Stanfield Company, our goals extend beyond the classroom. We want to foster an inclusive environment where every child feels understood and valued. The Circles Elementary program delivers exactly that.