-Restorative Communication-
-Restorative Communication-
Embedded Files
HOW TO USE THIS LESSON: The webpage below is intended to be projected for students to follow along. It includes basic instructions, definitions, etc. to guide students. Depending on your technology, you can have a student in charge of scrolling through the site, on your cues. Just have them try not to scroll past the thin purple dividers or thick colored banners until you are ready to start that next section!
You will also need to download and/or print this facilitator's guide. This document contains extra instructions, facilitator's notes, and other behind-the-scenes content necessary for the lesson.
Grade 10 - Restorative CommunicationObjective: You will learn about the practice of using a talking piece and the power that it holds. You will also build comfortability with silence and listening to others
Introduction
Introduction
“The Circle is a ritual that communicates meaning. Sitting in the round says that everyone is included equally without regard to rank, status, or hierarchy. Shedding titles gives a further message of equality and of looking beyond outer roles to who we are in our hearts. Joining hands expresses community. The opening ceremony invites reflection and a spiritual sense of connectedness. The talking piece cultivates a capacity of both to listen and to speak with respect. The guidelines convey shared ownership of the process and responsibility for its outcomes. And the closing ceremony inspires gratitude for the good achieved. Together, these rituals create a secure space where we can share personal stories, express emotions, be honest, take risks, and seek solutions to very difficult issues.”
-- Pranis, Stuart, & Wedge, Peacemaking Circles
The Restorative Practice of Circle uses a talking piece to regulate the dialog of the participants. The talking piece is passed from person to person around the rim of the Circle. It travels in one direction around the Circle until it returns to the Keeper. The talking piece does not skip anyone sitting in the Circle. Only the person holding the talking piece may speak. It allows the holder to speak without interruption and allows the listeners to focus on listening and not be distracted by thinking about a response to the speaker.
The use of the talking piece allows for full expression of emotions, thoughtful reflection, and an unhurried pace. Participants are free to speak or pass when the talking piece comes to them. The talking piece is a powerful equalizer. It allows every participant an equal opportunity to speak and carries an implicit assumption that every participant has something important to offer the group. As it passes physically from hand to hand, the talking piece weaves a connecting thread among the members of the Circle.
Main Activities
Main Activities
First Round:
First Round:
“When the talking piece comes to you during this first round, please hold the talking piece silently while taking two slow deep breaths. You may hold the talking piece longer than two breaths if you wish. After taking your breaths, silently pass the talking piece to the person sitting on your left. Those who are waiting to hold the talking piece or have already held the piece, please sit silently as the talking piece moves around our Circle.”
Second Round:
Second Round:
“For our second round I invite everyone to please stand up in front of their chair/desk. (Wait for people to stand). This time when the talking piece comes to you during our round, please hold the talking piece silently like you did during our first round but instead of taking two deep breaths before passing, please make some sort of (appropriate for class room/school) body movement to show how you are currently feeling. After completing your movement or gesture, silently pass the talking piece to the person sitting on your left. Those who are waiting to hold the talking piece or have already held the piece, please stand silently as the talking piece moves around our Circle.”
Third Round:
Third Round:
“For our third round, I invite everyone to answer a question when the talking piece comes to you. Just like before, those who are not holding the talking piece should sit quietly and listen. If you do not want to answer, you can silently pass the talking piece to the next person.
How do you feel about the time we spent together today? What is one thing you learned by sitting in this circle today?"
Thank you for stepping outside of you comfort zone and participating in this activity.
Closing
Closing
What was it like to spend so much time in silence?
What did you notice in your body, thoughts, and emotions during this time?
What can I learn from this activity?
How could themes of the Circle or talking piece help me in the future?
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