Restorative Practices for Schools

The Restorative Practices for Schools workshop is a comprehensive two-day training that dives into the principles and implementation of restorative practices within educational settings. Participants will explore the various tiers of Restorative Practices, delve into the Social Discipline Window and its connection to shame, and gain practical skills in facilitating proactive and responsive circles. The workshop also focuses on the power of affective statements in communication and provides hands-on experience in creating circle plans.

Day 1

Introduction to Restorative Practices:

• Understanding the core principles and philosophy behind restorative practices.
• Exploring the benefits of restorative approaches in fostering connection and resolving conflict.
• Examining the different tiers of Restorative Practices and their applications in school settings.

The Social Discipline Window and Addressing Shame:

• Unpacking the Social Discipline Window framework and its relevance to restorative practices.
• Recognizing the impact of shame and its role in disciplinary processes.
• Strategies for shifting from punitive approaches to restorative responses.

Affective Statements and Effective Communication:

• Recognizing the power of affective statements in fostering understanding and empathy.
• Developing skills in using affective statements to express feelings and needs in a restorative manner.
• Practicing active listening and constructive feedback techniques to enhance communication.

Day 2

Proactive and Responsive Circles:

• Understanding the purpose and benefits of proactive circles in building relationships and creating positive classroom culture.
• Identifying the appropriate contexts and timing for implementing proactive and responsive circles.

Circle Planning and Implementation:

• Learning the steps involved in creating and facilitating restorative circles.
• Collaboratively designing circle plans for specific scenarios and challenges.
• Exploring strategies for engaging students, staff, and community in restorative practices.

Throughout the workshop, participants will engage in interactive exercises, case studies, and group discussions to deepen their understanding of restorative practices and gain practical skills for implementation. By the end of the two-day training, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to create a more restorative and inclusive school environment, fostering connection, empathy, and positive conflict resolution among students and staff.

This training will be facilitated by Victor Small Jr., a Doctoral student at California State University, East Bay, where his educational focus is on the School to Prison Pipeline and addressing the inequities that feed it. For more information about Victor Small Jr. visit www.therjleague.com.