Instructional Methods For Scouts - Circle Up!

It may seem a fine point but the physical position and posture of the instructor and the Scouts is an important distinction between Scout instruction and other forms of instruction: Neither the Scouts nor the instructor should be seated unless absolutely necessary.Keeping everyone on their feet in a circle, has several important advantages Standing requires more alertness than sitting.

Scouts all have the same perspective when they are standing in a circle.

Instructors can see all the Scouts faces, and the Scouts can see the instructor.

Distractions are limited and easily dealt with if they arise. Long-winded instructors are less likely to be long-winded if they have to stand. Once a Troop gets into the habit of instruction in a standing circle Scouts will automatically understand that the call to ‘circle up!’ means it is time to pay attention and, more importantly, actively participate in what is going on.