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CIRCLES

Exploring Research and Building Capacity

Circles: News

RESTORATIVE CIRCLES

Circles can be used for pro-active solutions or as reactive solutions. As a pro-active solution, the teacher is just "checking in or out" (Costello et al., 2010, p. 37). As a reactive solution, the teacher may require a restorative circle (Costello et al., 2010).

  • Teacher dialogue for "checking in or out" may sound like this:

    • "How do you think we could have handled that conflict better?"

    • "I'm proud of the way you supported your classmates today! What did you notice that went well?"

  • Restorative Circles are imperative when misbehavior has occurred, such as vandalizing the class bathroom, which affects the entire classroom. This situation would elicit a circle to discuss what happened when it happened, why we feel the way we do about it, and how we can solve the issue.

RESTORATIVE CIRCLES, PART 1

To assist your understanding of using circles when implementing Restorative Practices, watch "Restorative Circles, Part 1: What, When, & Why." As you are learning, pause the video at the appropriate timestamp to allow time for recording your answers to the questions below on the MODULE WORKSHEET.

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**Allow 45 minutes to complete this activity.** 

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1. In your opinion, does punitive discipline (i.e. detentions, ISS, OSS, etc.) remedy or prevent poor behavior?

Why or why not? (8:44)

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2. Should students have a voice in helping to resolve disciplinary issues in schools? (12:50)

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3. Based on what you have learned so far, how could circles benefit your classroom and school? (18:10)

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4. How can circles be used to resolve issues amongst staff and improve the culture on your campus? (21:05)

Circles: Text
Circles: Video

RESTORATIVE CIRCLES, PART 2

To assist your understanding of using circles when implementing Restorative Justice, watch "Restorative Circles, Part 2: How." As you are learning, pause the video at the appropriate timestamp to allow time for recording your answers to the questions below on the MODULE WORKSHEET.

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**Allow at least one hour to complete this activity.** 

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1. How will you introduce circles to your students? (3:28)

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2. How can you use a dialogue circle to support your classroom management? (7:27)

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3. Do you see weekly community circles creating a positive culture in your class and school? Why or Why not? (16:53)

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4. How can you use problem-solving circles to find solutions to challenges that arise

in your classroom and school? (24:45)

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5. How do you see welcome and re-entry circles being used to support students as they return back to your classroom and school from ISS/OSS or alternative placement? (38:32)

Circles: Text
Circles: Video

CONSIDER A BREAK: 
Stretch, Get a Drink, Talk to a Colleague or Go For a Short Walk

Circles: Quote
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