In recent years, restorative practices have gained attention as an effective framework for building positive school climates and addressing conflicts. While the concept can seem overwhelming or resource-intensive, integrating small restorative practices into daily routines can lead to significant improvements in relationships, trust, and overall school culture.
Restorative Practices Defined
Restorative practices encompass a set of strategies aimed at repairing harm, improving communication, and fostering community within educational settings (Wachtel, 2016). Unlike traditional punitive approaches, restorative methods emphasize accountability and relationship-building through collaborative dialogue (Gonzalez, 2015).
Small Practices, Big Impact
1. Restorative Circles for Check-Ins
Daily or weekly restorative circles provide a simple yet powerful space for students and staff to express feelings and build connections. These quick check-ins—taking as little as 10 minutes—allow individuals to voice concerns and celebrate successes, promoting a sense of inclusion and trust (Evans & Vaandering, 2016).
Example: A classroom circle asking, “What was a highlight of your day?” can create meaningful dialogue while encouraging empathy.
2. Affective Statements
Restorative practices often start with changing language. Affective statements express how a behavior impacts others, moving away from blame to reflection. For example:
Instead of: “Stop interrupting the class.”
Try: “When you interrupt, it makes it hard for me to focus on everyone’s learning.”
Such small shifts in language foster understanding and reflection on behavior without confrontation (Thorsborne & Blood, 2013).
3. Restorative Questions in Conflict
Introducing restorative questions during minor conflicts encourages students to reflect on their actions and take responsibility. Simple questions like:
“What happened?”
“Who has been affected by this?”
“What can you do to make things right?”
These questions promote problem-solving and conflict resolution rather than punishment, leading to fewer repeat incidents (Gonzalez, 2015).
Impact on School Climate
Research indicates that schools implementing restorative practices see reduced suspensions, improved relationships, and better academic outcomes. Even small-scale adoption can help shift schools from punitive environments to cultures of accountability and empathy (Gregory et al., 2016). Moreover, these practices contribute to equity by addressing disciplinary disparities often seen among marginalized student groups (Lustick, 2017).
While restorative practices are transformative, their implementation can be manageable and manageable. Small, intentional steps—like restorative circles, affective statements, and reflective questions—can foster a more connected, equitable, and responsive school community. By embedding these practices into daily interactions, educators create environments where students feel heard, respected, and supported.
References
Evans, K., & Vaandering, D. (2016). The little book of restorative justice in education: Fostering responsibility, healing, and hope in schools. Good Books.
Gonzalez, T. (2015). Social justice, school discipline, and restorative justice. Equity & Excellence in Education, 48(4), 470-488. https://doi.org/10.1080/10665684.2015.1062623
Gregory, A., Clawson, K., Davis, A., & Gerewitz, J. (2016). The promise of restorative practices to transform teacher-student relationships and achieve equity in school discipline. Journal of Educational and Psychological Consultation, 26(4), 325-353. https://doi.org/10.1080/10474412.2014.929950
Lustick, H. (2017). Making discipline relevant: Toward a theory of culturally responsive positive schoolwide discipline. Race Ethnicity and Education, 20(5), 681-695. https://doi.org/10.1080/13613324.2016.1150828
Thorsborne, M., & Blood, P. (2013). Implementing restorative practices in schools: A practical guide to transforming school communities. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
Wachtel, T. (2016). Defining restorative. International Institute for Restorative Practices.