Open & Support Circle
The Open & Support Circle is a structured group activity that promotes openness, trust, and mutual support within the school community. Students and teachers share needs, offer help, and express appreciation in a safe and respectful setting. By making support visible and encouraging peer connections, the activity strengthens a sense of belonging and fosters a school culture where helping one another is valued.
Purpose
This exercise helps students and teachers feel that they belong and are supported at school. By sharing needs, offering help, and expressing appreciation, participants build trust and stronger relationships. The activity encourages openness and cooperation, making it easier for people to ask for help and support others. This strengthens a positive school culture and improves overall wellbeing.
Use and Learning Outcomes
- 1. Strengthens the feeling of belonging and connection among students and teachers.
- 2. Encourages openness and trust within the school community.
- 3. Promotes mutual support and peer help in learning and everyday school life.
- 4. Improves communication and listening skills.
- 5. Contributes to a positive and supportive school culture that enhances wellbeing.
Wellbeing References
Details & Preparation
Room Requirements
A regular classroom or similar space that allows participants to sit in a circle so everyone can see each other. The room should be quiet and comfortable to support open conversation. A board, flipchart, or wall space is useful for collecting ideas or notes. No special technical equipment is required.
Time for preparation
10 minutes
Preparation
Arrange chairs in a circle so all participants can see each other.
Prepare three small cards for each participant: “I need…”, “I can offer…”, “I appreciate…”.
Prepare a flipchart, whiteboard, or wall space to collect the cards.
Print or write the discussion rules (respect, listening, confidentiality, voluntary participation).
Prepare pens/markers for participants.
The facilitator should read the activity guidelines and prepare one or two example statements.
Principles for success:
• Create a safe and respectful atmosphere.
• Participation should be voluntary; nobody is forced to share.
• Encourage positive language and active listening.
• The facilitator should ensure that everyone who wants to speak has the opportunity.
Materials
Small cards or sticky notes (3 per participant: “I need…”, “I can offer…”, “I appreciate…”)
Pens or markers
Flipchart, whiteboard, or classroom board
Tape, magnets, or pins to attach the cards
Printed “Open & Support Circle Cards” handout (cards with the three prompts)
Printed “Discussion Rules for Respectful Communication” handout (short guideline for participants)
Sequence of Steps
Introduction
5 minutesThe facilitator presents the basic rules: respectful listening, voluntary sharing, and confidentiality. Participants are reminded that the goal is to build trust, openness, and mutual support.
Writing personal cards
5 minutesParticipants take a few minutes to reflect and write short statements on each card:
• “I need…” – something they would like support with (e.g., learning, organisation, social support).
• “I can offer…” – something they are good at and could help others with.
• “I appreciate…” – a thank-you or positive message to someone in the group.
The facilitator reminds participants that sharing is voluntary and encourages honest but respectful statements. This reflection helps participants recognise both their needs and their ability to support others.
Sharing and collecting contributions
10 minutesParticipants who prefer not to read aloud may simply place their cards on the board. The facilitator ensures that everyone who wants to speak has the opportunity and encourages respectful listening. This step helps make needs, support, and appreciation visible within the group.
Connecting support and closing reflection
5 minutesTo close the activity, the facilitator asks the group one short reflection question, such as:
“What is one small way we can support each other this week?”
Participants may share one idea or commitment. The facilitator thanks everyone for their openness and reminds the group that helping and supporting each other strengthens the sense of belonging in the school community.
Reflection & Tips
Reflection
At the end of the activity, participants reflect briefly on their experience in a short group discussion or a quick “round of voices”.
Suggested reflection questions:
• How did it feel to share or hear about others’ needs and offers of help?
• Did you discover something new about someone in the group?
• What is one way you could support someone in the coming days?
• What helped you feel more connected to the group today?
Alternatively, participants can show their feeling with a simple thumbs up / sideways / down to indicate how connected they felt during the activity. This helps the facilitator quickly understand the impact of the exercise.
Tips for Implementation
What supports the learning process / What the facilitator should pay attention to:
• Create a safe and respectful atmosphere where participants feel comfortable sharing.
• Emphasize that participation is voluntary and that all contributions should be treated with respect.
• Encourage active listening and appreciation of others’ ideas and experiences.
• Ensure that the conversation remains positive and solution-oriented.
Other possible uses of the exercise:
• A short version (10–15 minutes) can be used as a regular class check-in or at the beginning of the week.
• A longer version (45–60 minutes) can include small group discussions where participants develop concrete support plans.
• The exercise can also be used during class meetings, project days, or at the beginning of a school year to build trust in a new group.
Cross-references to other exercises:
• Peer Support Mapping (identifying support networks in the class)
• Appreciation Circle (focusing on gratitude and positive feedback)
• Class Agreements Workshop (developing shared values and rules for cooperation)
