Circle Forum

Everyone in a school has the opportunity to lead change right where they stand. One simple and basic way to do this is to talk with others in a way that values the relationship. Every staff member can build a bridge of connection between parents and schools. Building those person to person connections allows for respectful challenges and growth. Relational bullying can be addressed with a facilitated process which allows for everyone’s voice regardless of positional or social power.

When every adult in the building gets on the same page, the school culture shifts. This includes how people talk with students and with each other as staff. Teachers, custodians and administrative assistants all can be part of creating a welcoming climate at school by understanding students with questions like “What’s happening?” Restorative questions can even be used at home for family meetings and for meetings with parents and teachers. In the feature “Have Your Say”, the scenario deals with what happened when a teacher was injured in class by a student running around the classroom.

Steve’s Story Time deals with a conflict between two girls that escalated to threats on the internet. Using restorative practices, he talks about how he offered alternatives to suspension. Parents, students and staff are not always aware of how to stop harmful behaviours.  As a way to build relationships, schools can help everyone take responsibility for their actions. In the feature “Have Your Say”, the scenario deals with the perception that students get off easy when sent to the office for a conversation and return to class within 30 minutes. Consequences are very much a part of a restorative conversations.

Starting with Steve’s Story time, the conversation considers classroom circles that work or not, along with some very practical suggestions for how to start doing circles in classrooms. Clear expectations are essential; clear questions and gradual introduction of circle processes sets up students and teachers for success. Listen for the top tips for starting circles in classrooms.

It is tough to make connections with others at school when everyone needs to keep a 2 meter distance, wear masks and stay in a cohort all day. Students want to socialize together and have to stay apart. Shelley, Steve and Stan discuss some of the impacts of Covid on our schools and classrooms. When we can’t connect with people face to face, building and maintaining relationships in school really does matter, a lot! In the feature “What do you say?”, they discuss a scenario in which students going from remote learning to in person learning and back again.  This greatly impacts learning and a sense of belonging at school. Everyone in the building is affected by the pandemic and a quick check-in can help like “How are you dealing with the isolation at school?”

The pandemic has impacted every school and none more so than remote instruction. Shelley, Steve and Stan discuss a scenario and the impact of having the cameras off when teaching. Shelley describes her first circle dealing with school dance promo that included a homophobic skit. Steve discusses his first circle about a male who sexually abused a female student. Stan talks about the yard conflict which took a circle shape in resolving the situation. None of these were easy first circles yet with persistence and a “don’t give up” attitude, the harm was addressed and individuals were able to better understand the impact of their actions on others.

Shelley, Steve and Stan introduce themselves and why they’re starting up this podcast in their retirement. They just can’t stop talking about restorative practices. With over 80 years of experience working in schools between them, Shelley, Steve and Stan have seen the power of restorative conversations from less formal to more formal. Each of them has learned so much and continues to learn as the restorative practice movement grows across Canada and around the world. They continue to hear back from workshop participants that the stories and the experiences ground the principles into daily practice. If you have a story to share, let them know in order to keep the conversations going.