Circle of Grace Program
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What is the Circle of Grace?
Circle of Grace is the love and goodness of God that surrounds us and all others. It is the recognition that God is with us always and is there to help us in difficult situations. Through the Circle of Grace program, adults assist children and youth to recognize God's love by understanding that each of us lives and moves within a Circle of Grace. Your Circle of Grace holds your very essence in body, mind, heart, soul, and sexuality. this is taught in a visual and real way by the following prayer. One can demonstrate this prayer and ponder its profound simplicity.
Imagine:Raising your hands above your head and then
bringing your arms slowly down
keeping them outstretched,
Extending your arms
in front of you
and then behind you
embracing all of the space around you
knowing that God is in this space with you.
Then slowly
reach down to your feet.
This is your
Circle of Grace.
You are in it.
Because this holistic concept includes all senses it allows children and young people to identify uncomfortable situations long before inappropriate touch may occur. The Circle of Grace program teaches children and young people to seek help from a trusted Adult, reinforcing God's presence in their real life struggles.
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Goal of the Circle of Grace ProgramThe goal of the Circle of Grace program is to educate and empower children and young people to actively participate in a safe environment for themselves and others.
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Objectives of the program
- Children and young people will understand they are created by God and live in the love of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- Children and young people will be able to describe the Circle of Grace which God gives each of us.
- Children and young people will be able to identify and maintain appropriate physical , emotional, spiritual, and sexual boundaries.
- Children and young people will be able to identify all types of boundary violations.
- Children and young people will demonstrate how to take action if any boundary is threatened or violated.
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Circle of Grace is set apart from other programs by teaching:
- God's presence and assistance in difficult and confusing situations as an essential component in its Pre-K-12 curriculum.
- a philosophy that can be used at all times as a concept that reinforces God's real presence in our lives, respect for self and others, and skills for good decision-making.
- the sacredness of each person and how relationships are called to be experiences of divine love.
- beyond the "good touch-bad touch" models by addressing the whole person, thus it is able to teach how boundary violations can occur through all of our senses.
- a holistic approach giving children and youth the skills to identify uncomfortable situations long before inappropriate touch occurs.
- children and young people to identify the "trusted adults" in their lives in addition to their parents.
- the philosophy to parent through informative letters, lesson handouts, and educational material.
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Outline of the Program
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Pre-K through Grade 5
Pre-K - Grade 2:
- What is the Circle of Grace
- The Stoplight: Feelings, Touch, and Secrets
- Safety Plan
Grade 3- What is the Circle of Grace?
- Boundaries and our limits of our Circle of Grace
- Action Plan
Grade 4- Internet Safety
Grade 5- Understanding the Influence of the Media on our Circle of Grace
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Grade 6Grade 6 through Grade 8
- Circle of Grace: Pieces of the Puzzle
- Safe Relationships
- Boundaries
- Safety PLAAN*
Grade 7- Saying "No" to disrespect
- Honoring Everyone's Circle of Grace
Grade 8- How to be Morally Responsible in Today's Culture
* P- Protect
L - Listen
A - Ask
A - Act
N - Notify
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Grade 9
High School- Communion of Saints
- Mary and Joseph
- When the Circle is Broken
- Action PLAAN*
Grade 10- Levels of Intimacy and influence
High School Alternative Lessons- What is your Motto?
- A.C.T.I.O.N Steps when Concerns Don't Go Away
- Modesty: A thing of the past or not?
- Tech Savvy or Tech Safe?
- Circle of Grace Again...Really
* P- Protect
L - Listen
A - Ask
A - Act
N - Notify
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