COMMUNITY CIRCLESBy: Mr. Russell

RESTORATIVE PRACTICES SCHOOL COORDINATOR

• Responsibilities:• Monitor the ISS Room/ Learning Lab• Implement Restorative Practices School wide• Establish Community and Restorative Circles• Organize Formal Conferences

WHAT IS RESTORATIVE PRACTICES?

• "Restorative Practices is the social science that studies how to build social capital and achieve social discipline through participatory learning and decision-making."

• -Ted Wachtel, The International Institute of Restorative Practices, 2012

• In other words, "Restorative Practices is the philosophy that recognizes the importance of prioritizing relationships and connections between people in a school community and provides a framework for creating positive school culture and climate."

• -2014, Community Matters

TYPES OF CIRCLES• Community Circles:• Build Trust• Strengthen Relationships• Develop Community

• Restorative Circles:• Manage Conflict• Meet Needs/ Repair Harm (Harm

Circles will be facilitated my Mr. Russell)

• Restore Relationships

USE CIRCLES TO...• Build Community• Support Academic and Professional Goals• Promote Social Emotional Learning• Respond to Conflict or Issues

CIRCLE NORMS1. Speak from the heart: your truth, your experiences, your

perspectives2. Listen from the heart: let go of the stories that make it hard to hear

each other3. Trust that you will know what to say: no need to rehearse4. Say just enough: without feeling rushed, be concise and considerate

of the time of others

CIRCLE KEEPER• The "Circle Keeper" can be sets the tone for circles.• This is not a "teaching" platform; the circle is the teacher• Must give clear directions/purpose• Ensure the circle stays in tact • Clarify expectations• Respond to non-participants with affective statements (You will learn

these later)

TALKING PIECE• A talking piece is an object chosen by the Circle Keeper or Teacher which

is significant to them.• Only the person with the Talking Piece is allowed to speak• Respect the Talking Piece

ACTIVITY: CIRCLE FOR COMMUNITY BUILDING

• Move tables or desks to the outer areas of the classroom• Using your chairs, form a circle, and sit (knees should be no more than 9

inches a part)• Make sure you can see everyone in your circle

CIRCLE ACTIVITY: ROUND 1• Who has the longest hair?

• That person is the Circle Keeper!• Share Norms: Listen from the heart, Speak from your heart, Say just

enough, and No need to rehearse• Prompt: What is your name? Your favorite food? If you could have one

super power, what would it be and why?• It is important that only the Identified speaker speaks (no interrupting or

getting off topic)

BRAIN BREAK!!!!1. Group #1 Hi-Five Partners2. Group #2 Thumb War Partner3. Group #3 Rock, Paper, Scissors Partner4. Group #4 Bump Partner

CIRCLE ACTIVITY: ROUND 2• Identify the Tallest person in your group. This person is the Circle Keeper.• Follow the previous instructions and norms.• Prompt: If you could have a face to face conversation with anyone, who

would it be and why?

DEBRIEF• How do you think circles can benefit classroom culture based on what you

have learned today?• What have you noticed about the circle process and activities?• Check-Circle: What was your favorite thing about today and why?