Are you ready to Rethink Discipline?!
Excited to have @teambond lad us in the arena on RJ Circles! Plus FREE Laptop Sticker giveaway during the chat!
But 1st...introductions!
Please share who you are, how & where you "gladiate" for students!
#EduGladiators
I am excited to moderate my first #EduGladiators chat this morning with all of you! My name is Jennifer Bond, and I am a 3rd grade teacher in Walled Lake, MI. I have been using RJ for the past 3 years in my classroom.
Good morning warriors!
January is my favorite #EduGladiators series because it's all about Rethinking Discipline!
Excited to have my friend @teambond lead us in the arena on RJ Circles!
Rena Hawkins here! Proud principal @MapleWarriors in Smithville, MO. We have a blanket of snow here. It is beautiful and peaceful! #edugladiators Good morning! ☕️
New to twitter chats?
It's fun & easy to jump right in & share your thoughts or ask more Qs! Here's how...
Qs drop as Q1...Q2...& you answer A1...A2...
Don't forget to include #EduGladiators hashtag & follow @EduGladiators where ALL of our Qs drop from!
My name is Drea Finley and I teach 3rd in Basehor, KS. My building is currently going through redesign and I use Twitter to find AWESOME new ideas and ways of thought to bring to our team. #Edugladiators
A1: My vision is having a safe environment for conversations to place where students feel like they can be honest as the learn and grow together. #EduGladiators
A1: my vision is for them to be used m, even if it’s for an academic discussion, it’s a time for reflection with built in norms and responsibilities. It’s an opportunity to listen as well #EduGladiators
#satchat This is a FANTASTIC example of teachers being “talent scouts” connecting kids with their passions! They don’t teach this in Teacher Prep, but should! #EduGladiators@TNedu
WATCH: @Lin_Manuel breaks into tears after we surprised him with a heartfelt message from his 8th grade teacher.
"I wrote a musical instead of doing my homework... He said, 'You could be good at this... you should be doing this."
#HamiltonPR@HamiltonMusical
A1) This year we are engaged in monthly professional development around restorative practices. My vision is to have a restorative culture which uses restorative circles. #EduGladiators
A1: My vision for RJ circles is to create a community of learners that become more like a family. They respect each other through eye contact and discourse, communicate effectively, and build empathy for each other. #Edugladiators
A1: In math, this is used nicely as a check in with all students. Also, an opportunity for students to share new ideas, new hobbies and interests, so that we can build on that in the math classroom and strive to keep engagement high. #edugladiators
A1: Ss and Ts working together to build common agreements about how to reach our collective potential though an optimal environment for learning. #edugladiators
A1: We have not tried restorative circles. I see them being useful in allowing Ss to rebuild relationships and allow Ss the opportunity to support each other and address challenges. #edugladiators
A1 restorative circles would be the norm safe places where classroom and school committees could speak openly honestly and respectfully allowing Ss to develop empathy understanding and build relationships allowing for kinder and more + learning experiences #edugladiators
A1: My vision is that staff feels comfortable and confident leading them and students feel safe to share. Peers are listening and responding to each other respectfully and with empathy. #edugladiators
A1 I envision restorative circles as most formal step in sometimes convoluted stages of how people of all ages interact with each other. On occasions when road gets bumpy, structured mediation can smooth way forward. #edugladiators
A1: I am not 100% sure what restorative circles are, but this year we started using the 7 Habits to guide behavior instruction. In the Win Win habit , kids learn to listen to what the other sides wants and to think of a solution where both sides win. Is that close? #Edugladiators
Good morning! Brandon from Mechanicsville, VA (currently waiting on the snow!) - high school teacher checking out this chat for the first time! #edugladiators
A1 My vision is that restorative circles be used at all grade levels as a safe place for Ss to be honest & open. A place where they feel listened to & respected; where disagreements are a way of learning to understand each other.
#EduGladiators
I am no expert, but Covey’s principles definitely help establish the respect and dialogue necessary for restorative practice to flourish. #edugladiators
A1: I want to learn more about restorative circles. This year we start our school day with 10 minutes of SEL time that uses either the Energy Bus Curriculum or Choose Love.#EduGladiators
A1 I have been reading several books on restorative practices and have lead a few restorative circles for teachers but this year I would love to get Ts trained and comfortable with diff restorative practices so we can see more of it happening. #EduGladiators
Agreed... teachers often get one PD and are expected to run with things. They need practice, coaching, to do observations, etc. to feel confident and to see the power of circles! #EduGladiators
A1 A nurturing space where students feel safe and care of. A place where they feel their voices are heard and where they can support each other. #buildingcommunity#ubuntu#EduGladiators
A1 circles would be used proactively to build positive relationships with Ss, giving each of them a voice. It sends a message of TEAM when Ss must face one another and genuinely listen. We do this each week at the beginning of class to make those connections #edugladiators
This is geat place to be to learn about restorative circles. We use them in family time as a building relationships and seeing what others have in common. Ask...what is your favorite meal? They can also get much deeper. #EduGladiators
A2: Each Friday one of our standard circles is called Roses and Thorns. Kids share a good thing and a not-so-good thing about their week. It helps us know what is happening in each others’ lives and gives me a great perspective. #Edugladiators
We've started incorporating circle activities at least once a day where each S gets to share something (in the TL). I create the ?s related to the content we're learning to stimulate the discussion. When we ask the ? we also use the Ss names to build community. #edugladiators
A2 I’ve used Restorative practice but not circles when there has been a problem between students. Luckily my students have interacted pretty well with each other #EduGladiators
A2: I’ve used them in a group setting to talk about specific topics, the powerful aspect of it is the reaction of the circle members to the reflection of the member holding the talking piece #EduGladiators
A2: I don't use them because 1 I don't know what they are and 2 we didn't have time in our schedule, but now we do have class meeting time where we can focus on SEL so we are looking at ways to use it effectively #Edugladiators
A1: My vision and work-daily-to-create reality is a space where human connections are priority 1. That’s why we start every day w/Smiles and Frowns. I tell my Ss there is nothing more important than the ppl in the room so we start every day w/the ppl in the room. . #EduGladiators
A2: Since I’m fairly new to restorative practices, for me, the road blocks are just figuring out how to incorporate them into what I already do. #EduGladiators
So true! The language of Difficult Conversations rang true for me. Focus on everyone’s contribution to the relationship. Distinguish between impact and intention in our conversations. #edugladiators
Q2: We have not used them. I just need to know more. So many great educators here sharing examples...I know where to turn! @PrincipalFrench I would love to hear more! #edugladiators
A2 We use restorative circles more often in elementary than secondary (working on changing this) They help create a feeling of community, which I think is key to restorative discipline. Without a culture of caring, restorative practices becomes meaningless.
#EduGladiators
A2 I have not yet, but have implemented some restorative practices, kind of started and didn't really know what it was called, but my focus was on conversations and relationships #edugladiators
In reply to
@EduGladiators, @teambond, @PaulONeill1972, @D4Griffin3, @BrendanFetters, @mgrosstaylor, @Maverikedu12, @cskiles80, @SaneeBell, @mccoyderek
A1: My vision starts with the idea of embracing a school wide structure that’s all about creating a community that is striving to treat each other better. #EduGladiators
A1 The beauty part is that I feel students prefer it. It not only increases their base of knowledge on the academics but strengthens communication skills and opens them up to others opinions.#EduGladiators
A2: I have tried using a version of them what I call "Circling Up". Ss sit in a circle and are given what I call a "Whip Around Question" (Icebreaker). Ss answer in the order of the circle (hints the whip around idea) - gives every S a voice, building confidence. #edugladiators
We have been using circles in each of our staff meetings and PD this year. I think only 2 out of 13 classrooms use circles, but through practice, we should be able to slowly see the awesomeness of them! #EduGladiators
It has been my experience that sitting in a circle with your Ss at eye level puts kids at ease naturally. And helps to build good relationships with students which eliminates most behavior issues...
#edugladiators
I know very little about restorative circles, so I am an active observer this morning. I like the idea that every voice matters and conflict is resolved with a “we win” approach. #EduGladiators
A1) My vision of restorative circles is to get at the core of how we treat each other by addressing our biases and understanding that our actions and responses are just as important as the initial response, as they will be the foundation for future beliefs. #edugladiators
I haven’t had roadblocks. The biggest challenge is the mindset of the teachers who still think that something “needs to happen to kids” in order for it to be true discipline. #edugladiators
A2: We have had circles to discuss the classroom learning environment, healing circles to discuss trauma that has occurred and our feeling about it, as well as learning circles to share things in different content areas. #Edugladiators
A2 as a principal I have lead r-circles and I see it benefiting the classroom community. It proactively build relationships and the skills needed to support one another. #edugladiators
In reply to
@EduGladiators, @teambond, @PaulONeill1972, @D4Griffin3, @BrendanFetters, @mgrosstaylor, @Rdene915, @Maverikedu12, @cskiles80, @SaneeBell, @mccoyderek
A2 we have introduced the concept to teachers and we do a lot of things to promote some level of restorative justice but we now need to develop a plan. Would like to hear from a school that has recently implemented it #EduGladiators
This is great! What a powerful way to start the day! I love the emphasis on building trust in the room and looking at those around you as collaborators not competitors. #edugladiators
A2: I have a photo posted in my office of a long-term substitute who embraced community circles and in the photo is a student and her with a sketch of a campfire in the background and the community agreements listed around the campfire. #earlyadopter#edugladiators
A2 Less about circle, for me, than mindset: In trying to make restorative practices habits, I aspire to approach potential discipline issues as fact finding (striving to understand) before jumping to assumed conclusions, often based on biases, implicit or otherwise #edugladiators
A1: Can help build a community in which students feel safe to communicate. It’s a practice that I’m hoping will be implemented in my district soon. #EduGladiators
A1: The best intervention is prevention. Restorative circles are a tool for proactively building community through check ins each morning, and collectively problem solving through bigger circles as needed. But small justice circles are what I use most in my role. #edugladiators
A2: I just moved to my school that uses family time. I have used it once during that time to build the relationships with the students. They had another teacher first semster so I need to break that wall #EduGladiators
Start small...even if it is just once a week. They take about 15-25 minutes for my class of 30, but you can do one word circles, and that goes quick. #EduGladiators
Jay, joining #EduGladiators following a Menards run. We haven't used restorative circles yet, but I'm meeting with our counselor soon to get the conversation started.
A2 We use restorative circles more often in elementary than secondary (working on changing this) They help create a feeling of community, which I think is key to restorative discipline. Without a culture of caring, restorative practices becomes meaningless.
#EduGladiators
Start small...even if it is just once a week. They take about 15-25 minutes for my class of 30, but you can do one word circles, and that goes quick. #EduGladiators
A1: cont. When people feel like they matter, they are connected, the experience can shift from dealing with discipline to deepening connections. And when “discipline situations” arise they are more easily and effectively addressed when the group is connected. #EduGladiators
We’re a group that talks about how we use restorative practices, how can we mode them, what challenges or obstacles have we faced (so we can support each other) and talk about opening up our areas to be observed by others. #EduGladiators we try to meet once a month
A2) My I ask a follow-up to Q2? How can we use restorative circles between teachers and administrators? Has anyone had experience doing this? #edugladiators
It's impacted the learning in the sense that the lessons are more personal, my Ss are more confident speaking, & we've gotten to know each other quite well. It also pushes us in terms of learning vocab bc the kids want to express themselves authentically. #edugladiators
I feel like many folks (myself included) see the potential for restorative practices but haven’t yet tried it. I am also hoping to hear from those that have! #edugladiators
A2: We have a program called YJI (Youth Justice Initiative) in our community where students who have committed a felony or misdemeanor have the opportunity to get that offense removed from their record by engaging in restorative practices over the course of a year. #EduGladiators
A1) My vision of restorative circles is to get at the core of how we treat each other by addressing our biases and understanding that our actions and responses are just as important as the initial response, as they will be the foundation for future beliefs. #edugladiators
A3: A successful talking piece for our students has been the impact of one's behavior on others. We all struggle from time to time but remain committed to supporting each other through good times and bad. #EduGladiators
Morning! Jumping in late from PA. A2: we are fortunate to have a few trainers in our elem building. I find the structure very useful in ensuring that everyone involved has a chance to share, respond, grow #EduGladiators
We've been using it for 20 years, but constantly revisit, re-train and give support. It's hard for Ts to make these changes since stressful moments (when the restorative mindset is most needed) tends to be when Ts fall back on old habits.
#EduGladiators
A2) My I ask a follow-up to Q2? How can we use restorative circles between teachers and administrators? Has anyone had experience doing this? #edugladiators
A3: à picture of a former student who passed away and I think daily of the last words I said to him/the star I was given when I became a #denstar#EduGladiators
A3: Since we just started class meetings this semester without a set curriculum or guide, I legit went on TPT & pinterest and found free ideas. #edugladiators
A2: We use circles each morning to check in. I’m seeing more and more Ts embrace them as a means to solve things. It’s the only way I know how to help Ss problem solve. I think sometimes our go to, with best intentions and lack of PD, can still be punitive. #edugladiators
A2 Less about circle, for me, than mindset: In trying to make restorative practices habits, I aspire to approach potential discipline issues as fact finding (striving to understand) before jumping to assumed conclusions, often based on biases, implicit or otherwise #edugladiators
A3: We often use a stuffed animal, however, now my students bring in items they would like to use like squishies and even make their own talking pieces in our makerspace. #EduGladiators
A3 When looking at the content of the circles -- for me it has typically revolved around the Ss personal lives/thoughts. I also tend to frame the questions in a positive manner, to avoid making it a complaint circle. This will ultimately set the tone for the day! #EduGladiators
A2 I am at the beginnning stage, learning about it! I have included brief check ins and opportunities where students feel comfortable sharing about activities they like to do. #buildingcommunity#ubuntu#EduGladiators
On Our Building Community page there is this great link from @edutopia "Building Community With Restorative Circles" A technique for proactively building the skills & relationships students will need when challenges arise. Counseling page https://t.co/WMOY2cziNL#EduGladiators
It's not too late to grab your FREE #EduGladiators laptop sticker! Click on the link to join our FB Community - The Arena to get your sticker!
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A3 In my science classes, we practice a lot of civil discourse using sentence stems, active listening strategies. Ss need to learn and practice respectful debate, how to disagree.#EduGladiators
A3: I know an awesome pd facilitator who does work in circles, and she uses her nephew's stuff animal and tells a story about him. It personalizes and makes everyone automatically respectful of the piece. Love this idea! #edugladiators
A3 I think talking about the impact on others is a critical part of a conversation. Seeing your behavior through the eyes of someone else. Developing empathy. #EduGladiators
A2: I’ve dipped my toes into RJ by having circles between Ts and my SPED Ss. Nothing major or official yet. I’ve seen positivity between Ts and Ss. It also helps teachers understand the IEP a little better. #EduGladiators
I had to set an alarm for this one! You would think after 14 years of waking before the crack of dawn, I would wake up in my own! #notanearlyriser#edugladiators
A2) My I ask a follow-up to Q2? How can we use restorative circles between teachers and administrators? Has anyone had experience doing this? #edugladiators
And if there *were* a curriculum purporting to develop meaningful reciprocal relationships... I'm not sure I'd trust it :) One of those learn by doing, failing, doing better next time areas, in my up-&-down experience. #edugladiators
A3: Since we just started class meetings this semester without a set curriculum or guide, I legit went on TPT & pinterest and found free ideas. #edugladiators
In our school the talking piece is what is passed around the circle, the person holding the piece is the one that is allowed to talk, everyone listen. The piece should have meaning and be respected. #EduGladiators
A3 I think it is best to start these circles with non-threatening topics such as favorite movie, book, Tv show, Youtuber etc..then as trust is built more personal issues can be addressed such as classroom behaviors that I am not comfortable with. etc #EduGladiators
A3: Okay, I saw a first grade teacher use an old microphone as a talking piece and I was done. Not only the cutest thing to see, but how powerful to tell students their voice is worthy of being amplified. #EduGladiators
A4 I learn best when...I makes me feel good when...I respect when you... I am uncomfortable with...It makes me sad when... I wish our class could...I felt ...when ....happened #EduGladiators
A2: (grimace) I never have used RJ circles. But I use Smiles and Frowns daily and Community Circle monthly. Makes me wonder about the power of connective circles as a practice to prevent the need for restoration or at least to reduce instances of injustice🤔. #EduGladiators
A3: We often use a stuffed animal, however, now my students bring in items they would like to use like squishies and even make their own talking pieces in our makerspace. #EduGladiators
@MonicaHousen we started our slowly. Bringing everyone into the learning facet. Teachers are, on their own, introducing circles into their classroom. #EduGladiators
As with all things it is best to do ground up so you know it is perfect for your students' needs. It would be nice to have something as a guide though. As I looked, there are a million different ways to do class meetings and this is just one of them. #edugladiators
A4: My favorite RJ questions are
1)What impact has this incident had on you and others?
2)What has been the hardest thing for you?
3) What do you think needs to happen to make things right?
#EduGladiators
A4: One question that I have begun to use recently is "What are you excited about?". It's a very broad question, but one that immediately sets the tone positively and immediately shows what is on the minds and hearts of our Ss! #EduGladiators
On Our Building Community page there is this great link from @edutopia "Building Community With Restorative Circles" A technique for proactively building the skills & relationships students will need when challenges arise. Counseling page https://t.co/WMOY2cziNL#EduGladiators
A4: I was recently in a circle where the facilitator asked us all to share something we are thankful for. Immediately, the group of adults that didn't know each other felt bonded and safe. The rest of the day together felt connected and like a community. #edugladiators
A3) We used to have a “family meeting” weekly with all young adults & staff. We had a question of the week to start off or close the meeting. Even a question about second favorite food opened the door to conversations. #EduGladiators
A3 I like the idea of themed talking pieces but I can always see the value of consistency and respect for one used regularly
Bonnie from MA chiming in late #EduGladiators
A2: I’ve dipped my toes into RJ by having circles between Ts and my SPED Ss. Nothing major or official yet. I’ve seen positivity between Ts and Ss. It also helps teachers understand the IEP a little better. #EduGladiators
I agree, Brian. That's why I wrote this blog post Too many Ts are looking for a "program" but every student is different.
#EduGladiatorshttps://t.co/x925tS2c2X
A4: Another great one is, "What can I do to make your day better tomorrow?" It's interesting what they say...from get my family to stop fighting to have kids be quieter. #EduGladiators
A4: currently using to build relationships, the best q was “3 names you are called by.” It was awesome to hear students start calling each other by the names families use. #EduGladiators
A3: I think it’s important that we validate kids’ worlds with our discussions. As such, I think it’s important that we are careful about how we use the “real world”. https://t.co/iUE4gM7s1X#EduGladiators
Whenever I have anyone (students, educators, parents) come to my office we always sit at the circle table. I never sit behind my desk. That is done intentionally. The circle is one way of taking away any feeling of hierarchy and power. #edugladiators
Wow! That was a RJ firehose! 30 minutes goes by fast with such great conversations! Thanks for joining #EduGladiators and have an awesome rest of your weekend!
A4: I’m not an expert but I like to ask how the harm made a S or T feel when it was done to them. I think it helps develop empathy and may prevent the harm from occurring again. #EduGladiators
A4: The hardest question for all (but getting better with guidance and reflection) is ‘We can work to make this better but how?’ Some revert to a traditional discipline measure. Some talk of an apology (which is a good start but working towards taking it further) #EduGladiators
A4: currently using to build relationships, the best q was “3 names you are called by.” It was awesome to hear students start calling each other by the names families use. #EduGladiators
A3. In first grade we use our class mascot Pepe (stuffed monkey). The Ss love having Pepe be a part of the conversations. One S wants to take him home to have conversations with his family! #edugladiators
A4: Are you ready to own your part in this? Because if the answer is no, you need to change the function of the circle to trust building rather than problem solving until they are ready. #EduGladiators
A1: Restorative circles should be a safe place for Ss to express themselves and connect w/their feelings and emotions. Our Ts started doing this daily. It really helps build relationships and curtail discipline issues. #EduGladiators@Ron
Aboslutely - it takes a great deal of training and support. It's certainly not easy. But the moment we make it into a "program" it loses its essence.
#EduGladiators
My kids 1st or 2nd grade Ts all had class "pets" that kids took home and they had to take care of them and the write about the experience. We had a lot of fun with it as a family I remember:)
#edugladiators
A3. In first grade we use our class mascot Pepe (stuffed monkey). The Ss love having Pepe be a part of the conversations. One S wants to take him home to have conversations with his family! #edugladiators
Oh gosh no! Nothing can be used with every single person. It has just been hard to decide on how we want to use the class meetings since there is such a variety out there. To me a "curriculum" is always a resource not a road map. #edugladiators
A4 how has what happened impacted the learning of others. Kids don’t realize what they do impacts those around them. They just think it’s about them. #edugladiators
A2. Ive used restorative circles in many of my classes. I think it is so important to start these conversations early. I had a great circle with a group of 2nd gr girls that were bullying another student. It was powerful to see them interact. #edugladiators
This is so important. What do you do if Ss are not ready (willing?) to accept their part? They might be stuck in the previous paradigm where denying their role helps them escape consequences... #edugladiators
I love the circle idea to build community and as a preventive care opportunity! As a language teacher, it will work great to learn more about each other and support character while using the target language #EduGladiators#buildingcommunity#Ubuntu
Wow! That was a RJ firehose! 30 minutes goes by fast with such great conversations! Thanks for joining #EduGladiators and have an awesome rest of your weekend!
Metro St. Louis area school districts can learn more about Restorative Practices via @EducPlus and @CHARACTERplus! They have Restorative Academies each semester. #edugladiators
Thanks for a great chat! In order for circles to work, our students must have buy-in. The small interactions: greeting kids, checking in, being seen, avoiding shame... This must be present or there is nothing of which to restore. #edugladiators
As an IC, I have seen several Ts implement this well this year. Those Ts who do it the best sustain good relationships w/ Ss... even the ones who have had many discipline issues in the past. Ss are more productive & have more confidence. #EduGladiators
Teaching 3rd grade, I haven't had kids get intense with each other, but kids have brought up sensitive things, and I have had to interject and discuss the topics to explain things more. #Edugladiators
A3: One of our 1st grade Ts uses a stuffed animal that the kids call, "40". They ❤ it. I've seen other Ts use plastic toys... It helps to have the Ss name the object, too. They really get into it and respect its role as the speaking tool. #EduGladiators
