Boys Only

A program to make boys remarkable, resilient and respectful.

Boys Only Circle

BOYS ONLY CIRCLE TOOLKIT - 2019 EDITION

This toolkit is an interactive, fun, preventative education program for boys. Emotional awareness, respectful behaviour and gender awareness are intentionally interwoven into the framework and lessons. Hands-on activities, art, and technology are employed as engaging teaching methods. Boys Only is a gender-specific, prevention education program for boys designed to:
Help boys

put labels on their emotions
develop life skills, healthy coping skills, and respectful relationships
control anger
behave in respectful ways to all females
explore and express their feelings
develop positive, healthy identities
feel a sense of belonging to school, family and community

BOYS ONLY CIRCLE TOOLKIT CONTENTS

Boys only resilience program
Boys only classroom activity program
Working with boys toolkit
Circle reflection program
Boys Journal Library
Reflection cards sets
Reference library

Boys Only Circle
Getting boys to volunteer answers to challenging personal questions can be difficult. Many boys are fearful of ridicule or embarrassment when showing their experience or stance in front of their peers. The Boys Only Circle allows boys to use their bodies to answer questions. The act of taking a few steps can often be easier for boys than speaking or writing about their responses.
Start sessions by having boys stand in a circle around a rope or similar circle boundary. Start the session by asking gentle questions e.g. step into the circle if you have brown hair. Step into the circle if you are the eldest child. As the boys become accustomed to the idea of stepping forward and start to feel comfortable with the group and trusting of the facilitator, introduce your topic for the session. The boys may be seated on the floor or standing while you introduce a general understanding of what you want to explore in the session.
The questions offered in each module are suggestions only. You may find that you have some specific questions that suit your group. You might consider allowing boys to ask their own questions later in the session.
Start with soft questions and as trust develops introduce more probing questions. Be sure to create a safe and trusting environment so that boys are more willing to expose their reactions. Some sessions can easily touch sensitive nerves and boys may feel vulnerable if the group is not in touch with each other.
Many boys will find these sessions easier to connect with if the facilitator is a young male. Older males can create a more intimidating atmosphere which is not conducive to boys opening up about sensitive issues. You may find that bringing in an outside youth worker helps the boys to relax and to invest in the sessions.

1. Create a circle on the floor.
2. Have all participants stand on the outside of “the circle.”
3. Explain that you will read a question starting with, “Enter the circle if...” and that if it applies to them, they should step into the circle. Remind the students to be as honest as they are comfortable with and that the space is non-judgmental and safe. Explain there should be no talking during the game, except for the person asking the question and that there will be a discussion afterwards. Ask if there are any questions.
4. Begin the game. Read a question beginning with, “Enter the circle...(you have brown hair; you have blue eyes; you have a brother).” Participants step into the circle if it applies to them and remain on the starting side of the circle if it does not. Pause and ask the students to silently look around to see who is standing with them. Then ask them to go back to the starting side of the circle.
5. The following is a list of sample questions. The questions should be tailored to the needs of the age and populations you are working with.
6. Continue asking questions. Pause briefly before saying “next question.” After each question the students return to the starting side of the line.
7. After asking several questions, ask if anyone else has a question they would like to ask. Have volunteers ask their questions.
8. After several rounds of questions and entering the circle, have participants sit comfortably. Debrief/discuss. Ask the participants to share: How did it feel to cross the line? How did it feel when you didn’t cross the line? What surprised you the most during this game? What did you learn? What lessons can you take away from this game?

Order your copy of Boys Only Circle here

Order Form - Cut and paste in an email to [email protected]
NSW Supplier Number 100387105
Qld Supplier number S20039316
Please supply a digital copy of the Boys Only Circle Toolkit USB (2019) Now $159
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