Restorative practices in education are a set of techniques that are designed to promote healing and repair in schools. In this article, we will discuss the top 8 most important restorative practices.
1: Dialogue and Empathy
Some schools are adopting restorative practices in an effort to create a more positive and productive learning environment. Restorative practices emphasize dialogue and empathy, and seek to resolve conflicts without resorting to discipline or punishment. By encouraging students to openly communicate and understand one another’s perspectives, restorative practices can help build strong relationships and foster a sense of community within a school.
2: Creating a Safe Space
When it comes to education, creating a safe and supportive space is crucial for students’ success. That’s why many schools are implementing restorative practices, which emphasize repairing relationships and rebuilding trust. Through restorative practices, educators can help students feel seen, heard, and valued, which is essential for academic success.
3: Repairing Harm Done
Restorative practices in education aim to repair harm done by addressing the needs of all involved parties. This approach can help to build relationships and prevent future conflict.
4: Acknowledging Hurt Feelings
There’s no denying that hurt feelings are a part of life. But what if there was a way to acknowledge those hurt feelings without making the situation worse?
Restorative practices circles in education is one way to do just that. By bringing together the person who has caused harm and the person who has been harmed, restorative practices gives everyone a chance to air their grievances and come up with a plan to make things right.
Not only does this help resolve conflict, but it also helps build stronger relationships between people. And that’s something we can all benefit from.
5: Making Reparations and Healing Trauma
When it comes to addressing the effects of trauma, educators are increasingly turning to restorative practices. This approach focuses on repairing relationships and making amends, rather than simply punishing offenders.
There is growing evidence that restorative practices can be effective in reducing disciplinary problems and improving school climate. When students feel that they have a role in shaping their own school environment, they are more likely to take responsibility for their own behavior.
What’s more, by helping students to understand the impact of their actions on others, restorative practices can promote empathy and understanding. In schools where these approaches are used, students report feeling safer and more connected to their peers.
6: Connection with Others
In order to create a successful learning environment, it is important to focus on connection with others. Restorative practices are one way to do this, by promoting positive relationships and repairing harm. This approach can be used in schools, workplaces, and other settings, and has been shown to be effective in reducing conflict and improving overall wellbeing.
7: Valuing Diversity
As educators work to create more inclusive and equitable classroom environments, they are turning to restorative practices as a way to value diversity and build community. Restorative practices emphasize repairing harm and restoring relationships, and they have been shown to be effective in reducing disciplinary problems and improving school climate. When implemented with intention and care, restorative practices can help create classrooms where all students feel valued and respected.
8: Respect for All People and Differences
At its core, restorative practices in education is about creating a learning environment that is safe and respectful for all students. This involves developing relationships between teachers and students, as well as between students themselves. When there is mutual respect between everyone in the school community, it creates a positive atmosphere where everyone can learn and thrive.
These are the top 8 restorative practices that you should be implementing in your school or classroom. Implementing these practices can help to restore and repair damaged relationships, combat bullying, and foster diversity and respect for all people and differences.