Lesson Plan

Healing Circle Blueprint

Guide 5th graders through a trauma-sensitive circle to build safety, trust, and community by sharing feelings, setting group norms, collaborating on a trust-building tower, and reflecting mindfully.

Establishing a supportive classroom circle helps students feel seen, heard, and connected, fostering emotional resilience and belonging—essential for trauma-sensitive learning.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Review Materials & Arrange Space

10 minutes

Step 1

Welcome & Feelings Check-In

10 minutes

Step 2

Introduce Safe Space Norms

10 minutes

Step 3

Trust Tower Build

15 minutes

Step 4

Mindful Moment Reflection

5 minutes

Step 5

Closing & Circle Commitment

5 minutes

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Slide Deck

Welcome to Our Healing Circle

Use a soft blue gradient background with an abstract wave pattern. Welcome students to our Healing Circle. Say: “Today we’re creating a safe space to share, listen, and grow together.”

What Is a Safe Space?

Show a photo of children sitting in a circle on a calm rug. Explain: “A safe space means we honor each person’s feelings, keep what’s shared here private, and treat each other kindly.”

Our Key Norms

Display simple icons beside each norm (lock for confidentiality, ear for listening, stop sign for no put-downs, heart for kindness). Read each aloud and ask students to nod if they agree.

Add Your Ideas

Encourage students to think of one more rule that helps everyone feel safe. Write their suggestions on chart paper and then transfer to this slide live.

Our Top 5 Norms

After gathering ideas, guide students to vote and choose the top five norms. Update this slide with the final list for everyone to see.

Circle Commitment

Lead the class in a verbal commitment: “If you agree to follow these norms, say ‘I will.’” End with a group breath or gentle clap to seal the agreement.

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Activity

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Discussion

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Cool Down

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Can We Heal Together?

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Natasha Desir

Tier 1
For Schools
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