Circles Elementary Edition

Introducing the New Edition: Circles Intimacy and Relationships for Elementary School

The James Stanfield Company is proud to present a new chapter in social skills education with the introduction of the Circles Intimacy and Relationships Elementary School Edition. This innovative edition is an adaptation of the established and successful Circles Paradigm, now tailored specifically for younger audiences. The goal is clear: to provide educators with the tools and framework to teach the foundational principles of the Circles Paradigm from the earliest stages of formal education.

The Imperative of Social Skills in Childhood Development

Social skills are not mere niceties; they form the backbone of a child’s journey toward healthy relationships and overall life success. These competencies encompass a range of abilities, from effective communication where children learn to express themselves clearly and listen to others, to empathy, which allows them to understand and share the feelings of another. Conflict resolution is another crucial skill, teaching children to navigate disagreements and challenges in a constructive manner. Together, these skills pave the way for children to form strong friendships, collaborate effectively with peers, and navigate the complex web of human emotions.

Understanding Social Boundaries: A Universal Challenge

For many, the ability to categorize social connections based on perceived closeness to others is instinctual. It’s this inherent understanding that guides our everyday interactions, helping us determine how we converse, the level of trust we place in individuals and even the kind of physical interactions we deem appropriate. Yet, for children with autism, intellectual or developmental disabilities, and affective disorders, these social boundaries can be elusive. Their struggle to understand and categorize relationships can become a significant barrier to forging healthy social connections.

The Circles Program: Addressing the Gap in Social Education

The challenges faced by children struggling with social boundaries are not just academic; they have real-world consequences. Without a clear understanding of appropriate social boundaries, these children become more susceptible to experiences of abuse and exploitation. The Circles program was conceptualized as a beacon of hope in this scenario. With its well-structured approach, Circles provides children with a roadmap to navigate the complex world of relationships. It equips them with the tools to discern the nuances of different relationships, helping them determine suitable levels of interaction for each. In the process, Circles also plays a pivotal role in boosting self-esteem, resilience, and confidence in these young minds.

A Deep Dive into the Circles Curriculum

The latest edition, Circles: Intimacy & Relationships, is a testament to the program’s commitment to evolving with the times and addressing contemporary challenges. This edition offers a meticulously crafted curriculum designed to resonate with elementary-aged students with special needs. Within its structured lessons, learners explore ideas such as individual boundaries, the mechanics of one-on-one engagements, and the basics of forming connections. The primary objective is to serve as a beacon for young individuals struggling with social nuances, assisting them in refining their social behaviors and elevating their self-assurance.

The Legacy and Impact of Circles

The Circles program isn’t a new entrant in the field of social education. Its foundations were laid back in 1983 by visionary educators like Marklyn Champagne, Leslie Walker-Hirsch, and James Stanfield, EdD. Their mission was to create a flexible social-skills program that went beyond theoretical knowledge. Over the span of nearly four decades, with continuous updates and improvements, Circles has grown to be a trusted name in the domain, recognized and respected for its contribution to teaching social and personal skills to individuals with disabilities.

How The Circles program can positively influence one’s social and personal life.

• Enhanced Communication: The program emphasizes effective communication, helping individuals express themselves clearly and listen actively to others.
• Empathy Development: Circles instills empathy, enabling individuals to better understand and resonate with the feelings and perspectives of others.
• Conflict Resolution Skills: It teaches conflict resolution, equipping individuals to handle disagreements constructively.
• Relationship Navigation: Provides a clear roadmap to discern the nuances of different relationships, aiding in determining suitable levels of interaction for each.
• Boosted Self-Esteem: The program plays a pivotal role in enhancing self-confidence, resilience, and overall self-esteem.
• Understanding Personal Space: Circles introduces concepts like personal space, helping individuals respect boundaries and feel more comfortable in social settings.
• Improved Interpersonal Interactions: Offers guidance on the dynamics of interpersonal relationships, enabling more meaningful connections.
• Protection Against Exploitation: By teaching appropriate social boundaries, Circles safeguards individuals from potential abuse and exploitation.
• Endorsed by Experts: The program’s wide recognition and endorsement by experts in the field underscore its efficacy in improving social and personal skills.
• Legacy of Success: With its long-standing history since 1983 and continuous updates, Circles has been a trusted tool in enhancing social and personal skills for individuals with disabilities, making it a reliable program for all.

Endorsements and Recognition

The efficacy of Circles is backed by its widespread adoption. Currently, the initiative is embedded within the syllabus of more than 10,000 institutions throughout the U.S. Its significance is heightened by commendations from numerous specialists in the domain. For example, the Health Department of Western Australia has praised Circles for its distinct approach in translating complex ideas into understandable terms, facilitating learners in comprehending and implementing these notions in practical situations.

Circles Intimacy & Relationships also was proven effective by Harvard University! Click on the image to read the study!