The Wheel
Time Allowance: 20-30 Minutes
Equipment Needed: A wheel, pen or pencils, quiet location for writing. The wheel is most often used as a reflective tool, to debrief an activity or to bring closure to a series of events. The Wheel has become an invaluable tool used to debrief community service projects. The activity is best done right after the service project before students have dispersed. As with any writing activity, it is best for the teacher/facilitator to sit down and write out the wheel along with the students. Once the students have filled in the wheel, each one is asked to share something from their wheel. It is what individuals choose to read that determines their level of risk. Instruction for writing should be specific, encouraging students to name particular situations or individuals in their wheel.
1. This activity provides enough structure to allow students to reflect on their activities in a non-threatening way. Asking students to read their writings out loud requires others to listen and give respect. Reflection is of critical importance to learning and this type of activity can be adapted widely to any type of activity both in and out of the classroom; categories can be renamed, shapes re-drawn, etc. The Wheel is now included as a portfolio piece on community service at one local high school.
2. Description: "I am passing out a piece of paper called The Wheel. As you can see, there a are number of spokes in the wheel. Each blank between the spokes has a label (read examples of labels)." Examples of labels include:
Something I learned about myself.
Something I learned about someone else.
Something that surprised me about the activity we did.
A high point
A low point, etc.3. Give students 10-15 minutes to write, checking in as soon as people begin to get restless. If over half of the group is done and you are beginning to lose the group, begin sharing around the circle telling those not finished they can add things as the group goes on.
4. Each person can share one category of their choice. The sharing can continue until the facilitator feels the debrief has accomplished its goal. The center of the wheel is a circle and students can draw a symbol that best represents how they felt during the activity. Begin with someone who will set a positive and somewhat serious tone for the group. It is not that laughter can not be part of this activity, but it is important that everyone feels safe enough to share sensitive feelings and thoughts. You can start if you can not figure out who else should.
Processing Issues:
Communication Skills
Risk Taking
Sell-Expression/Self-Statements
Giving and Receiving Feedback