At the heart of restorative practices is The Circle. Many of us elementary educators already use the circle as part of our daily routine, particularly the morning meeting circle. The restorative circle adds a little bit to this. There is always a centerpiece in the middle of the circle, so that individuals have a place to look when eye contact feels uncomfortable. The centerpiece also holds a written copy of the group agreed upon norms. The restorative circle involves passing a talking piece so that each person has an opportunity to speak and be heard without interruptions. Circles often start with a mindful moment, a poem or a quote, then proceeds to giving each person an opportunity to share on a given prompt, followed by a checkin or a closing.
There are a wide range of types of circles and at the beginning, circles should be used simply as fun ways to connect with one another. As time moves on, students (and teachers!) become more comfortable with the process and the vulnerability that circles can bring. At this point, circles can be used in many other ways, particularly to solve problems and conflicts within the school setting.
<--This embedded video is offering a glimpse of what restorative circles look and feel like in an elementary and middle school setting.
A brief diagram of the difference between traditional vs. restorative approaches.
A video made for elementary students describing restorative justice.
A video of a restorative circle in a high school setting.
(A quick search on youtube offers samples and explanations of a variety of restorative practices in a wide range of settings.)
The basic outline of the steps to doing a restorative circle-The Oakland Unified School District offers this two page resource for outlining the restorative circle.
A list of prompts for establishing a sense of community in your classroom-This list offers some fun ideas of prompts to use in your beginning circles.
Restorative Practices Circle Scripts-This resource offers some sample scripts for the circle facilitator to follow.
Turning to One Another-A powerful sample poem to use when opening the circle.
The Center for Courage & Renewal- A wealth of resources through Parker Palmer's work that allows you to experience restorative practices in your own life.
Circle Keeper's Handbook-A 26 page resource for establishing restorative circles which includes sample prompts, openings, and closings.
Teaching Restorative Practices with Classroom Circles-This in-depth resource walks you through how to establish and run circles in your classroom.
Time to Think: Using Restorative Questions-This brief resources offers questions and a descriptions of how to process an incident of conflict.