There are three main types of talking circles:
depending on the reason the talking circle is taking place, and depending on the desired outcomes.
1. PREVENTATIVE: Strengthening relationships and positive climate and culture: These talking circles happen frequently (daily is ideal) and the prompts are generally a check-in and/or a "getting to know you" type question.
2. PROACTIVE: Repairing relationships and positive climate and culture: These taking circles happen as frequently as needed and are often used when addressing a specific classroom concern or to address a conflict/problem/concern between specific students.
Examples of this could be concerning themes of behavior from the whole class, groups of students, or individual students (such as problematic behavior while under the supervision of a substitute teacher, groups of students exhibiting problematic behavior such as bullying or disrespectful behavior or individual students bullying etc.)
3. REACTIVE: Restoring relationships and positive climate and culture after a harm has been caused: These talking circles are the most formal and should be used to address a specific incident/harm/ that has taken place between specific individuals. Within the Justice System, this type of talking circle is often referred to "Victim Offender Dialogue".
Examples of this could be a physical fight, vandalism, or used as an alternative to suspension/expulsion/probation.