Circles Elementary Edition

What Its About

The James Stanfield Company is proud to present its latest offering: Circles Intimacy and Relationships Elementary School Edition.

If you’ve enjoyed the other courses in our Circles Paradigm, you’ll absolutely love this adaptation for our younger audiences.

We all know how important social skills are for children’s development, forming the foundation for healthy relationships and overall success in life. Communication, empathy, and conflict resolution are all important for building strong friendships, working well with others, and understanding complex emotions.

However, these skills can be challenging to learn for any young learner, particularly those with unique learning needs like autism, intellectual disabilities, or affective disorders. They may find social boundaries challenging to navigate, and their young age makes it even more of a struggle.

The Circles Elementary Edition offers a structured approach that helps kids understand and categorize different types of relationships. It not only helps them form appropriate connections, but also protects them from potential abuse and exploitation.

The best part? This curriculum is presented in a relaxed, child-friendly format that makes it accessible for even the youngest students.

“Excellent! Circles is the best program we have to teach our students social skills”

Melanie Charter, Teacher, Santa Rosa, CA

What You Will Learn

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.

This state-of-the-art program (which includes Circles: Intimacy & Relationships, Elementary, Levels 1 and 2) addresses the unique, ever-changing nature of relationships of all kinds.

Mastering Boundaries

This latest 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).

Best yet, it’s modified for children, with language and concepts that are uniquely tailored to kids who are still in grade school.

From learning how to communicate effectively with their peers to setting boundaries with their friends and family members, the skills taught in this curriculum have practical uses that extend far beyond the classroom.

Students will 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 also 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.

Improved Communication

It can be tough for little ones to articulate what they’re feeling, especially when they’re uncomfortable or not sure how to handle social situations.

Circles Elementary emphasizes the role of effective communication and can teach your students how to express themselves clearly while also actively listening to the needs and perspectives of others.

Protection Against Exploitation

This course also teaches your students the importance of – and how to acknowledge and respect – 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 will understand the concept of consent and learn how to set limits in various situations. They will 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 also develop an understanding of diversity, empathy towards others’ experiences, and appreciation for different perspectives. These skills create a positive classroom environment where all students feel valued and supported.

The Dynamics of Interpersonal Relationships, Brought to Life

Through this program, students will gain valuable insights into the dynamics of interpersonal relationships, helping them improve their interactions with both peers and adults.

The program includes role-playing exercises that simulate real-life scenarios (like asking for permission before entering someone’s personal bubble). It’s rich with visual aids and narratives that make complex ideas more accessible to young learners.

There are also lots of group discussions and fun activities to bring key concepts to life – and to help your students develop valuable soft skills like communication and collaboration.

If you’re looking for a hands-on social skills program for your elementary students, this is your ultimate resource. Its hands-on, immersive format (with plenty of humor sprinkled in!) makes it easy for your students to grasp challenging concepts and celebrate each and every one of their successes.

After all, 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!

"Fantastic-easy to teach. Engaging. Adaptable for learning styles and attention spans."

Jacq Beith, Counselor

After Completion

If you’ve been looking for a program that will help your students leave elementary school with the ability to navigate social relationships with confidence, this is it.

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’ll have the skills they need to constructively resolve conflict as well as to protect themselves from potential exploitation.

Most importantly, your students will not only feel more confident in 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 the students’ social interactions, self-expression, and overall confidence.

At 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 does just that!

"When I take my class out on a community activities it is exciting and rewarding to hear them say who a stranger is and that talking with the city bus driver or store clerk is OK if it’s not personal.”

Amanda Killen, Special Day Class Teacher, Slater Middle School