Restorative Practices in the Classroom

This is the fifth post in my Promoting Positive Classroom Behaviour series.

Restorative practices are based on the idea that people will make positive changes when those in positions of authority do things with them rather than to them or for them. This approach focuses on repairing harm and restoring relationships, rather than simply punishing misbehaviour. Let’s delve into the principles of restorative practices and how they can be effectively implemented in the classroom.

Key Concepts

1. Principles of Restorative Practices

Restorative practices are grounded in the following principles:

Focus on Relationships: Misconduct is seen as a violation of people and relationships, not just rules.
Repairing Harm: The goal is to repair the harm caused by the behaviour and restore relationships.
Inclusive Process: Involves all affected parties in the process of resolving the issue and finding a way forward.
Accountability: Encourages individuals to take responsibility for their actions and understand the impact on others.

2. Types of Restorative Practices

Restorative practices can be implemented in various forms, including:

Restorative Conferences: Structured meetings where all affected parties discuss the incident, its impact, and how to repair the harm.
Circles: Group discussions that promote open communication, understanding, and community building.
Restorative Conversations: Informal discussions that address minor issues and prevent escalation.

3. Restorative Questions

Using restorative questions can help students reflect on their behaviour and its impact. Here are some examples:

Social Restoration Questions:
- Tell me what happened. What was your part in what happened?
- What were you thinking at the time?
- How were you feeling at the time?
- Who else was affected by this?
- What do you need to do to make things right?
Self-Restoration Questions:
- Tell me what’s been happening. What has not been working for you?
- What are you thinking about this situation?
- How is this getting in the way of your learning?
- What do you need to learn or do to make things better?

Real-World Applications

Imagine a scenario where two students have had a conflict during recess. Instead of resorting to punitive measures, you can use a restorative conference to address the issue. Gather the students involved, along with any affected parties, and facilitate a discussion using restorative questions. This process allows the students to express their feelings, understand the impact of their actions, and collaboratively find a way to repair the harm.

Similarly, you can use restorative circles to build a sense of community and address minor issues before they escalate. For example, start each week with a circle where students can share their thoughts and feelings, discuss any concerns, and set positive intentions for the week ahead.

Implementing restorative practices in the classroom can transform the way you address misbehaviour and build a positive learning environment. By focusing on relationships, repairing harm, and involving all affected parties, you can create a more inclusive and supportive classroom culture.

Try incorporating a restorative practice in your classroom this week. Whether it’s a restorative conversation, circle, or conference, observe how it impacts your students and the overall classroom environment. Share your experiences and insights in the comments below. Let’s learn from each other and continue to improve our behaviour management skills.

By following these strategies, you can create a classroom environment that fosters positive behaviour and enhances student learning. Stay tuned for our next post, where we will explore the importance of focusing on wellbeing to promote positive behaviour.