Book Reviews
Circles of Friends
Colin Newton and Derek Wilson (1999)
Folens Publishers. (64 pages).
This book, in the Folens Primary Professional Development
Series, has been written by practising educational psychologists
who are deeply committed to the inclusion of all pupils
in mainstream schools. It begins by looking briefly at the
idea, rationale and origins of Circles of Friends, which Colin
and Derek define as:
"… an approach to enhancing the inclusion, in a
mainstream setting, of any young
person (known as the ‘focus child’), who is experiencing
difficulties in school because of a disability, a personal
crisis or his or her challenging behaviour towards others.
(This approach) works by mobilising the young person’s
peers to provide support and engage in problem-solving with
the person in difficulty" (p.4).
The authors continue that it is for all people - including
educational psychologists, teachers and youth workers - who
work with youngsters who are labelled and marginalised in
various ways. "Ultimately", they say, "it is
a book for everyone because at some time in our lives, all
of us are likely to have needs that are not typical" (p.4).
Beyond the two introductory chapters, the book systematically
and thoroughly outlines the processes involved in establishing
Circles of Friends from ‘Getting Started’ to examining
the ‘Circle in Action’. Further chapters consider
the issues of teacher and pupil outcomes, case studies, the
theoretical basis of Circles of Friends and FAQs (Frequently
Asked Questions). Based on the authors’ extensive professional
experiences, these chapters are full of sound practical advice
for those wishing to adopt this powerful strategy. The book
concludes with a comprehensive and up-to-date appendix of
additional resources, including video material and internet
websites, to which the interested reader might turn for further
ideas and information.
As a whole, the book is written in a lively, non-technical,
engaging manner with numerous cartoon-style illustrations
and it is highly recommended reading for all people who are
professionally involved in trying to help children with relationship
difficulties.
To order copies of this book, write to:
Folens Limited,
Albert House,
Apex Business Centre,
Boscombe Road,
Dunstable,
LU5 4RL,
England.
Professor Helen Cowie
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