Peer Circles for Wellbeing

Summary of McEwen & Hart (2024)

Background & Existing Knowledge
Peer connection plays a key role in student well-being, especially during transitions and high-stress periods. Structured peer dialogue may support both emotional health and learning.

New Insights from This Study
✔ Peer-led circle discussions improved students’ sense of belonging and emotional resilience.
✔ Participants showed increased empathy and classroom cooperation.
✔ Schools reported improved attendance and fewer discipline incidents.

Practical Applications: How Educators Can Use This Research

Creating Safe Circles
📌 Use simple protocols: speak from the heart, listen with respect.
📌 Train student facilitators in empathetic dialogue.
📌 Choose themes relevant to students’ lives and classroom experiences.

Combining SEL and Academics
📌 Start content lessons with check-ins or shared reflections.
📌 Connect social themes to curriculum topics.
📌 Use journals to blend emotional and cognitive responses.

Supporting Diverse Learners
📌 Allow multiple modes of participation (verbal, written, symbolic).
📌 Use multilingual tools where needed.
📌 Recognize and value diverse ways of expressing feelings.

Conclusion
Peer-led circles build emotional connection and classroom harmony, creating a foundation for engaged and resilient learning.

Key Words
peer support, social-emotional learning, classroom dialogue, student wellbeing, empathy

Reference
McEwen, C., & Hart, T. (2024). Building Resilience Through Peer Dialogue in Middle School Classrooms. Educational Wellbeing Journal, 9(1), 12–29.

Suggested Citation

Ross, E. M., & Malar, D. B. J. (2025). Peer Circles for Wellbeing. Excellent Educator, 2(13), 7.