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...]
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...]
Four Lessons the Struggle for Racial Equity has Taught Us
As educators, we have dedicated hundreds of hours to developing materials, holding workshops, conducting programs and forming committees with the stated aim of addressing racial equity. This has been important work and we have learned probably more than we have done, if we … [Read more...]
I Know this Stuff Already!
Let’s be honest. While the emerging field of Restorative Practices is praised in many circles, there are people who are not so eager to embrace this work with open arms. Some disregard the practices as “new age”material, bound to phase out with the passage of time. Many more … [Read more...]