Peace Learning Circles (formerly TRIBES)

Peace Learning Circles (PLC) is the social emotional learning program formerly known as Tribes Learning Communities.

PLC is a research-based, CASEL Select social-emotional learning program that prioritises the healthy development of every child. It is a tried and true method for leveraging cooperative learning in the classroom.

It is designed to engage members of the educational community in goal-oriented collaboration to create a caring and supportive environment that establishes positive expectations and promotes the active participation of all students K-12, providing a curriculum that has the capacity to combine SEL with content focused lessons.

PLC strategies aim to create learning environments that are caring, inclusive, and welcoming to all - creating a positive school or classroom environment is the most effective way to improve behaviour and learning.

Using PLC, students achieve because they:

• Feel included and appreciated by peers and teachers
• Are respected for their different abilities, cultures, gender, interests and dreams
• Are actively involved in their own learning
• Have positive expectations from others that they will succeed.

The clear purpose of the PLC process is to assure the healthy development of every child so that each one has the knowledge, skills and resiliency to be successful in a rapidly changing world.

How it Works

PLC is a step-by-step process to achieve specific learning goals. Four agreements are honoured:

1. Attentive listening
2. Appreciation/no put downs
3. Mutual respect, and
4. The right to pass

Students learn a set of collaborative skills so they can work well together in long-term groups. They focus on helping each other work on tasks, set goals to solve problems, monitor progress and celebrate their achievements.