Restorative Circles

There’s something magical about watching a young person become a Circle Keeper—especially if they are 9 years old!

A high school senior shares her story: from an elementary “chatterbox” in the principal’s office to learning about the school-to-prison pipeline and what it meant when she finally met Morningside’s very own Staff Developer, Marisa. 

Today we travel with Bronx middle school ELA teacher Robin for a deeper exploration of Circles. Robin was one of more than 740 educators who took Morningside’s Tier 1 training this July—and a member of my cohort. I’m delighted to share with you my conversation with Robin—and all of her insights and...

Circles are a container for so much that Morningside Center does. From my first day as the new writer at Morningside, it was clear that they are foundational to our work, but as someone who had never been in a Circle I really needed to know: exactly what is a Circle? And why are they so foundational...

As part of Circle training on the first day we read a few short pieces, works about big concepts in education—like power, authority… and joy. The question was raised, why does it matter for our children to experience joy at school?

Teachers tell how their school has strengthened connections among students and empowered them to resolve their own conflicts. The key? Circles.

We offer our gratitude for the practices of Indigenous peoples, and share our land acknowledgment statement.

The Brooklyn Academy of Global Finance is using circles to bolster students and the school community, with support from Morningside Center. This week their great work landed them in the news.

We have to talk about race, and how the racism that permeates our society is manifesting in our schools.

This lesson begins with activities aimed at creating a sense of community among your students, then invites them to explore issues in the news, and to consider how these issues are connected to their own lives and community.