ABSTRACT
The round, already described in Chapter 12, is used to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to speak and be listened to. In this model of Circle Time, a speaking object is used as a visual symbol of respectful listening. When someone holds the object, they have the opportunity to speak and everyone else listens. The rule is that no one may interrupt the person holding the speaking object. Even the teacher must get up, move across the circle, touch the object and apologise to the person who is speaking before s/he may interrupt the process. The round gives a very strong message about the respect afforded to someone when they speak. It is also a democratic process as everyone has a turn. The right to say 'I pass' means that an individual can choose whether to take part or to sit quietly. At the end of the round the last person to speak says 'Does anyone who passed want a turn?' If someone who has not already contributed to the round has now thought of something they want to say, the object is taken to them and they have an opportunity to speak.
