A collection of lessons, tips and videos—solid concrete ideas about how you can integrate restorative practices into your classroom this fall, or anytime! And a few educator stories sharing both various ways they use Circles and their experiences with these tools.
Lessons & Tips
An Introduction to Circles: Circles use a highly structured process to create a safe space where people can share their feelings and experiences. Since 2011, Morningside Center has partnered with the NYC Department of Education to introduce Circles into schools around New York City. Here, Morningside Center trainer Marieke van Woerkom outlines the basic elements of Circles.
SEL Tip: Storytelling for Community-Building: Invite students to think about the power of storytelling, and easy how-to's for making time for storytelling in your classroom.
SEL Tip: Try a Restorative Conversation: A restorative conversation can turn a student’s problematic behavior into a teachable moment AND opportunity for deeper connection.
Starting Out with Restorative Discipline: The first few days of school are the perfect time to begin taking a restorative approach to class climate and discipline in your classroom. Step 1: Be in community with your students.
SEL Tip: Start the Year with Community Agreements: Begin by asking students, "What do you need to feel safe, comfortable and excited to learn?"
Videos
Restorative Practices Video Library: Morningside Center’s video library is a collection of online videos that show real-life, school-based examples of a range of restorative practices. The videos also help illustrate the mindset needed to introduce these practices as part of a school’s holistic restorative strategy.
Stories from Educators
Why Use Circles? Two Teachers Tell their Stories: Teachers tell how their school has strengthened connections among students and empowered them to resolve their own conflicts. The key? Circles.
The Transformative Power of Circles (Part I): 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? Thus began my journey to learn how Morningside practices, teaches and continues to improve how we facilitate Circles across SEL, restorative practices and racial equity.
The Transformative Power of Circles – Part II: 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 experiences, helping us put descriptions to the question, What is a Circle?