How to get started
“The early circles can be challenging for teachers new to the restorative approach. They must resist the temptation to resort to tried and tested traditional responses if things do not all go
to plan.” The Restorative Classroom, pg. 52
- First take a look around your room. Is there room for your whole class to sit in a circle? If you already meet on the floor for morning message, you can expand this space a little bit so that the whole group is able to sit in a circle. Older students might prefer sitting in chairs, they can help move the furniture to make a circle, if you like.
- Start with baby steps (make it fun). The first few circles should be relaxed and fun! For example "What is your favorite ice cream?"
- Introduce the talking piece. (see circles)
- Decide on ground rules. For example, you are only allowed to share one thing and you do not interrupt another student. (see circles)
- Keep circles short and sweet. (Students share 1 thing.)
- Don't consider this an add on. It is really easy to incorporate this into your daily routine.
- Start with baby steps (make it fun). The first few circles should be relaxed and fun! For example "What is your favorite ice cream?"
- Introduce the talking piece. (see circles)
- Decide on ground rules. For example, you are only allowed to share one thing and you do not interrupt another student. (see circles)
- Keep circles short and sweet. (Students share 1 thing.)
- Don't consider this an add on. It is really easy to incorporate this into your daily routine.