Building Relationships
Along with teaching routines, we know that focusing on
building relationships with students
, and having them
build relationships with each other
will grow a positive and safe culture.
Restorative Practices:
"Relationships are at the core. Restorative practices cultivate a culture in which everyone feels like they
belong
. They build a particular
sense of community
in which every member--students, teachers, parent volunteers, aides--feel they are
seen, heard, and respected"
-Amos Clifford
Why a "Circle"?:
Community building circles are a proactive restorative practice that allows all students to be heard, make eye contact, and be equal contributors removing physical barriers between participants.
Circles should start low risk, and increase as students feel more comfortable.
Interested in starting Problem Solving or Harm repairing circles, keep in mind that 80% of circles should be proactive.
Example Circle Guidelines:
- Respect the talking piece: Everyone listens, everyone has a turn
- Speak from the heart: Your truth, your perspectives, your experiences
- Listen from the heart: Let go of stories that make it hard to hear each other
- Trust that you will know what to say: No need to rehearse
- Say just enough: Without feeling rushed, be concise and considerate of the time of others.
