Restorative Schools and Restorative Parenting
The Basics of Restorative Practices
A summary of how to work with the social discipline window—a concept at the heart of restorative schools, and restorative parenting.
Restorative Practices: Leading Through Circles
“A circle is a versatile restorative practice that can be used proactively, to develop relationships and build community or reactively, to respond to wrongdoing, conflicts and problems. Circles give people an opportunity to speak and listen to one another in an atmosphere of safety, decorum and equality.”
RP and circles are not new. They find their origin in indigenous communities in North America and are found in other native communities around the world.
Why Do We Need Restorative Justice?
Proactive approaches to relationship building that create a sense of belonging, safety, and social responsibility within the school community. They are grounded in beliefs about equality and dignity, they help to both prevent harm and conflict and involve responding when harm has happened.
Circle Work at Schools
Opening question and Mindfullness in a morning circle at Alexander Hamilton Elementary School
A circle at City Springs Elementary Middle discussing how each student reduces stress in their life
A check-in circle in 6th grade at Hampstead Hill Elementary/Midle
Hampstead Hill Middle School Circle: sharing with each other, and end of yearacknowledgments, apologies and gratitude
City Springs 8th grade opening circle and mindfulness
City Springs Friendship Circle
City Springs circle on stress and trauma: definitions and identifying traumatic events
City Springs circle reading together to explore trauma
City Springs: What are the impacts of trauma, the lasting effects
Baybrook Kindergarten Circle: exploring emotions about going to first grade
Moravia Elementary Middle 4th grade check-in circle