Art and Play Therapy - Circle Time

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Today was the start of 16 art and play therapy sessions that 12 of our students are fortunate to be a part of.  I am also very fortunate to have this learning opportunity and will be learning and supporting in the group (10 students) sessions.

One thing I noticed today in our group session was how the circle time was immediately comfortable and familiar to students from room 1.  (We've had support from Trish (RTLB) to learn about and implement Circle Time in room 1 in terms 1 and 2.)  The children were responsive to the cues (such as a talking object) and even the structure - sitting in a circle.

It has really emphasised what a valuable place Circle Time can have in our classrooms to support communication, emotional literacy and relationships.  I think the structures within it and the consistency provides safety for our students.  Circle Time is definitely something that I would like to support other classes at Park Estate to have a part of their learning programme.  My first step for this will be to continue to support Room 1 and Isabel with this.

Whānau I have spoken to when gaining consent were also very keen for their children to be a part of this. The students were all very excited to be a part of the group and left looking forward to next week, as am I.

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