Circles Level 2

Once students master the fundamentals of social boundaries, they are ready for the next challenge. The Circles Level 2 program picks up exactly where Level 1 leaves off — moving beyond basic personal space and boundary concepts into the more complex, nuanced realities of relationships that students ages 12 and up will encounter as they grow toward independence.

Created by Marklyn P. Champagne and Leslie Walker-Hirsch, Level 2 is built on the same Harvard-validated Circles paradigm that has been trusted in classrooms for over 40 years. It uses video modeling with real-life scenarios to help students navigate topics that many curricula avoid: dating, healthy romantic relationships, changing friendships, and the emotional challenges of growing up.

Why does Level 2 matter? Because relationships do not stay static. Friends drift apart. Romantic interests develop. People change. Students need concrete strategies for handling these transitions — not just understanding boundaries in theory, but applying them when relationships shift in unexpected ways.

The program includes live-action vignettes, a comprehensive digital teacher's guide, and printable handouts — everything you need to implement lessons with confidence. Circles Level 2 is available through a Circles subscription (99/yr) or as part of Stanfield+ (99/yr), which provides access to our full program library. If your students have completed Level 1, Level 2 is the essential next step in their social education journey.

The Circles Level 2 program is an excellent follow-up for students who have already completed the Circles Social Boundaries: Intimacy & Relationships program. It takes a more comprehensive approach to understanding the subtler applications of the Circles Rules of Social Distance, making it especially effective for students with moderate to mild cognitive challenges.

Circle Jumping

Circle Jumping refers to the process of moving from one Circle level to another. In Level 2, there is a more in-depth illustration of when it is acceptable to jump circles and when it is not. Students learn the importance of proximity, context, and the nature of the relationship before deciding to move to a higher or lower circle. Through video-modeled examples, they see these concepts play out in realistic situations.

Reversal of Intimacy Level

The program covers the concept of Reversal of Intimacy Level — situations where students who are accustomed to being in an inner circle face a sudden change when they are shifted into an outer circle. It helps students understand the realities of change and how to navigate such situations while keeping social boundaries in check.

Rejecting Intimacy and Having Intimacy Rejected

Rejection is one of the hardest social experiences for any person, and it is especially challenging for students with disabilities. Level 2 teaches students how to manage relationships with people who have changed circles — while still maintaining their own comfort and boundaries. The program provides strategies for communicating boundaries without offending friends or family.

Relationship Dissolution

Students learn how to recognize cues that indicate a relationship is ending, how to cope in such situations, and how to move on by re-establishing social connections. This is a critical life skill that prepares students for the inevitable changes they will face in adolescence and adulthood.

Part I: Social Distance — Expanded

The Circles concept introduced in Level 1 is expanded in Level 2. The subtler concept of degrees of intimacy within the same circle is introduced, allowing for more variation in similar relationships. Touch, talk, and trust are the three social boundaries evaluated and applied to each relationship. Students learn that boundaries may vary in different situations and with different people — a nuanced understanding backed by over 40 years of evidence-based classroom practice.

Part II: Relationship Transitions

This section uses live-action reality stories to review the dynamic and ever-changing nature of relationships. It introduces the new and subtle signals expressed by touch, talk, and trust that indicate a change in a relationship — changes that may or may not be mutual.

Your students will learn how to recognize these signals, which indicate circle jumping, reversal of intimacy levels, and rejection of intimacy or relationship dissolution. They will also learn strategies for dealing with these changes to maintain healthy relationships and protect themselves emotionally.

After completing Circles Level 2, your students will have the skills to set and maintain healthy boundaries in their relationships — a crucial ability that will serve them well throughout their lives. They will understand the nuances of social intimacy and how it varies from person to person, helping them recognize potential red flags and make informed choices.

Students who complete Level 2 consistently demonstrate greater emotional resilience when relationships change. They can handle rejection with composure, recognize when a friendship or relationship is dissolving, and take proactive steps to rebuild their social connections. These are not abstract concepts — they are practical, real-world skills developed through the same video-modeling approach validated by Harvard research.

The combination of Levels 1 and 2 gives students a comprehensive social education — from basic boundary awareness to the complex dynamics of changing relationships. Educators report that students who complete both levels show marked improvement in peer interactions, self-advocacy, and emotional regulation.

As educators, it is our responsibility to equip our students with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed choices about their lives. Circles Level 2, built on 40 years of proven classroom results, is one of the most effective tools available. Whether accessed through a Circles subscription (99/yr) or Stanfield+ (99/yr), this program is an investment in your students' long-term social success.