The Circles Program teaches social distance and levels of intimacy through the use of six color-coded concentric circles. Starting from the center circle, which represents the self, each new colored circle represents behaviors, feelings, and actions appropriate to the distance from the center of self. Circles was written by Leslie Walker-Hirsch, Med, Marklyn Champagne, RN, MSW & James Stanfield, EDD
For example, a person may hug and kiss members of the family, people in the Blue Hug Circle, but only wave to the mailman, who would be in the distant orange wave circle. The Circles method has been used successfully to teach students with:
- learning disabilities
- mild to severe mental disabilities
- emotional handicaps
- autism
- sensory impairments, and
- affective disorders
Flexible
These strategies are considered to be Best Practices in Special Education and social skills training and have been well documented in the literature that prepares Special Education teacher candidates for educating students with unique learning styles
Special Education Teaching & Pedagogical Strategies
Each individual teacher can personalize each lesson to address the specific needs of his or her own class. The more familiar the teacher becomes with the Circles concept, the more applications she or he will find.
Elementary
Edition
BRAND NEW!
We couldn’t be more excited to announce the upcoming release of Circles Intimacy and Relationships: Elementary School Edition. The same groundbreaking paradigm used with thousands of young adults across the country has been adapted for elementary school students with special needs!
The Circles Program teaches social distance and levels of intimacy through the use of seven color-coded concentric circles. Starting from the center circle, which represents the self, each new colored circle represents behaviors, feelings, and actions appropriate to the distance from the center of self.
Level
1
BRAND NEW!
Divided into two parts, “Social Boundaries” and “Relationships Building,” this program is an ideal introduction to the Circles Paradigm, especially for students with mild to moderate cognitive impairment.
Circles Level 1 has had a complete overhaul. Updated with all new videos and additional relationships, Circles will help your students ‘SEE’ social boundaries. Circles Level 1 explains the relationship between intimacy and how we interact with others. Teach your students how levels of intimacy affect how we TOUCH, TALK to, and TRUST each other.
Level
2
With its “reality show” format, this new expanded version of Circles is ideal for illustration the more subtle application of the Circles Paradigm. This makes the perfect “Second Step” for students with mild to moderate cognitive challenged and can also be used as a stand-alone introduction for higher functioning and regular students.
Level 2 Second-Step Content includes:
- Alternative Intimacy Level Signs
- Circle Jumping: when it’s OK and when it’s not
- Reversal of Intimacy Level
- Rejecting Intimacy and Having Intimacy Rejected
- Relationship Dissolution, and more!
