One of the most common challenges that organizations face when implementing Restorative Practices is what is perceived as resistance to the restorative approach. They ask questions such as “How do we increase staff buy-in?” and “What do we do with ‘negative’ people who are … [Read more...]
The Circle as an Assessment Tool
The notion of teachers using circles to improve pedagogy has been a frequent topic in my work lately. I believe some teachers have a difficult time conceptualizing the use of circles in the classroom. Far too many well-intentioned teachers seem to try to locate the practice … [Read more...]
Affective Statements and the Adultification of Black Girls in Schools
Every time I facilitate restorative practices trainings for schools, I almost always know where the pushback will begin. I am able to get through the Social Discipline Window and talk through the two paradigms (Punitive vs. Restorative) with little to no challenging. I … [Read more...]
How are the Children Doing?
“In youth we learn, in age we understand.” -Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach Over the summer, I had the pleasure of attending the Advanced Training of Champions’ seminar as an intern for Akoben. In my first encounter with this work, I participated in one of the communication … [Read more...]
The Talking Piece: Strategies for Helping Our Students Honor It
Here’s the Good News You’re not crazy. Children of all ages (and adults too) sometimes have trouble honoring the talking piece. Even when they’ve agreed to its principles and deeply appreciate the permission it gives them to speak and to be listened to, they call out … [Read more...]
