RESTORATIVE JUSTICE
A powerful approach to discipline that focuses on repairing harm through inclusive processes that engage all stakeholders. Implemented well, Restorative Justice shifts the focus of discipline from punishment to learning and from the individual to the community.
A powerful approach to discipline that focuses on repairing harm through inclusive processes that engage all stakeholders. Implemented well, Restorative Justice shifts the focus of discipline from punishment to learning and from the individual to the community.
When there is a problem or conflict in the classroom, Restorative Justice Circles are a community-oriented way to problem solve and let voices be heard in a safe, respectful structure.
My Restorative Justice Circle Norms:
1. Everyone sits in a circle (no one gets left on the outside).
2. One person speaks at a time (whoever is holding the "talking item", which is a soft ball or anything that can be passed, rolled or thrown without too much distraction.)
3. The item gets passed in a clockwise circle. Hands can be raised at the end for further comments, questions, etc.
4. Be honest, but respectful (only say things that are appropriate to say at school, no laughing at someone or promoting hurtful, inappropriate ideas)
5. Everyone must listen actively (make eye contact, nod your head if you agree with someone, no side conversations, whispering, etc.)
6. You can "pass" but we will come back to you at the end to encourage full participation. However, if you still don't want to participate, you can say "No Comment".
7. Speak loudly, stay on topic and 30 second time limit.
8. If we are discussing a conflict among the class, only use "I statements" (for example, "I feel frustrated when you shout out and make disruptions for the class, not "You are frustrating...")
9. If you want to speak again, you need to wait until everyone is finished given a chance to talk and then you can raise your hand.
My Restorative Justice Circle Routine:
1. Everyone sits down in a circle (OPTIONAL: with their journal & pencil).
2. I post the scenario, question or prompt on the board.
3. OPTIONAL: I give them about 1 minute to jot down some thoughts before we begin so they are ready to speak when it is their turn, but mostly so they are ready to listen when others are talking.
4. I say, "Who would like to start?" (hand them the talking item--I use a marker or something easy).
5. I say, "The Restorative Justice Circle has begun" and I turn over the Rain Stick.
6. When finished, I say, "The Restorative Justice Circle is completed" and turn over the Rain Stick again, does anyone have any reflection, questions, etc. (This should be optional depending on amount of time... sometimes we keep talking and I call on hands raised... other times I just say, "OK! Time is up.. time to get back to work.)
My Restorative Justice Circle Norms:
1. Everyone sits in a circle (no one gets left on the outside).
2. One person speaks at a time (whoever is holding the "talking item", which is a soft ball or anything that can be passed, rolled or thrown without too much distraction.)
3. The item gets passed in a clockwise circle. Hands can be raised at the end for further comments, questions, etc.
4. Be honest, but respectful (only say things that are appropriate to say at school, no laughing at someone or promoting hurtful, inappropriate ideas)
5. Everyone must listen actively (make eye contact, nod your head if you agree with someone, no side conversations, whispering, etc.)
6. You can "pass" but we will come back to you at the end to encourage full participation. However, if you still don't want to participate, you can say "No Comment".
7. Speak loudly, stay on topic and 30 second time limit.
8. If we are discussing a conflict among the class, only use "I statements" (for example, "I feel frustrated when you shout out and make disruptions for the class, not "You are frustrating...")
9. If you want to speak again, you need to wait until everyone is finished given a chance to talk and then you can raise your hand.
My Restorative Justice Circle Routine:
1. Everyone sits down in a circle (OPTIONAL: with their journal & pencil).
2. I post the scenario, question or prompt on the board.
3. OPTIONAL: I give them about 1 minute to jot down some thoughts before we begin so they are ready to speak when it is their turn, but mostly so they are ready to listen when others are talking.
4. I say, "Who would like to start?" (hand them the talking item--I use a marker or something easy).
5. I say, "The Restorative Justice Circle has begun" and I turn over the Rain Stick.
6. When finished, I say, "The Restorative Justice Circle is completed" and turn over the Rain Stick again, does anyone have any reflection, questions, etc. (This should be optional depending on amount of time... sometimes we keep talking and I call on hands raised... other times I just say, "OK! Time is up.. time to get back to work.)
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Community Building outside the Classroom
I believe Home Visits and continuous parental communication/interaction are the most powerful "behavior strategies" you can implement.
