Introduction
Once a glass breaks, it can be repaired but the cracks remain. Do you keep it or discard it? In a restorative circle, it’s meant to be kept.
Restorative circles mend relationships through open dialogue and mutual understanding. Do you create space for this in your classroom? Do your students feel safe expressing disagreements?
Some might argue that tending to students’ emotions is an added burden. And sure, that perspective may have had merit decades ago. But let’s face it: you and your students spend more waking hours together than many families do at home. They leave school, grab dinner, maybe squeeze in some screen time, and then it’s off to bed.
That leaves very little room for meaningful connection outside of your shared space. So why not make the most of the time you have together? What happens outside inevitably comes into the classroom, yes. But the reverse is just as true.
What happens inside those four walls has the power to ripple outward, shaping their lives beyond academics. And if you can foster beauty, and inclusivity within your classroom, imagine the lasting impact that could have on who they become.
Focusing on academics is undeniably part of the curriculum. But when schools prioritize academic performance without weaving in meaningful support for student mental health, the pressure can become suffocating. This study drives the point home: a staggering 61% of teenage students report a decline in their mental health due to school-related stress.
So, the more pressing question becomes this: how do you, as an educator, shape a balanced classroom culture?
In this blog, we will explore how to build and sustain a restorative approach that fosters connection and growth.
1. Work Together to Build a Safe Space
Restorative circles start with you. Creating a safe space means building strong relationships, putting students front and center. Just as important is giving them a voice.
Ask your students what a supportive environment looks like for them. Co-create it by sharing your own struggles. When they see you have moments of doubt too, they’ll feel less ashamed of their own. Let them know their stories are safe with you, but also be upfront that you’re mandated by law to report cases of self-harm, harm to others, or abuse.
Use tools to guide these discussions. If you use PowerPoint, try ClassPoint for open-ended responses like Short Answer activity. You may also use quotes from historical figures or lyrics from popular songs as a springboard for deeper conversations.
Learn how to run an interactive ClassPoint Short Answer activity right inside PowerPoint.
2. Cultivate Emotional Readiness
Before you even step into the circle, ask yourself: Am I ready to be fully present here? Because believe it or not, students can tell when you’re distracted or just going through the motions. If you want them to open up, you need to show up too.
For example, if you’re feeling nervous about facilitating a tough conversation, say so. Acknowledge it out loud: “This topic might bring up some strong feelings, and that’s okay. I’m here to listen, and I don’t have all the answers.” When students see that even you aren’t expected to be perfect, they’ll feel less pressure to put on a facade themselves.
Cultivating emotional readiness can be an everyday thing. You might not even realize it, but how you show up in regular interactions can make all the difference. Here’s how you can bring more emotional awareness into your daily practice:
| Interaction | What It’s Usually Like | What You Can Do to Show Emotional Readiness |
|---|---|---|
| Starting a lesson | Jump straight into content without checking energy. | Pause and ask: “How’s everyone feeling?” Set a mindful tone. |
| Noticing disengagement | Ignore distractions; push ahead with the lesson. | Acknowledge: “I see some of us are distracted. Let’s reset.” |
| Handling tough conversations | Focus on control (“Let’s stay focused”). | Validate: “This is tough. It’s okay to feel uneasy. Let’s talk.” |
| Responding to conflict | Rush to resolve quickly; skip reflection. | Slow down: “Let’s sit with this. How does it feel?” Allow silence. |
| Leading group activities | Stay formal; avoid vulnerability. | Share authentically: “I don’t have all the answers, but I’m here.” |
| Addressing mistakes | Correct quickly; ignore emotional impact. | Normalize: “Mistakes happen—it’s how we grow. Let’s learn together.” |
3. Plan the Topic or Theme
Before starting a discussion, work with your students to choose a topic or theme. This helps create structure and gives them time to prepare.
Start with check in activities to set the tone. A quick word association game can warm up the conversation, while mindfulness exercises help students concentrate. A simple reflective question, such as “What does this topic mean to you?” can also encourage thoughtful participation.
A strong closing helps students process what they’ve learned. Wrap up with a final takeaway, a calming breathing technique, or a moment of silence for reflection.
4. Empower Students to Speak
Active listening fosters meaningful discussions. When students feel heard and valued, they gain confidence in sharing their thoughts. Simple gestures like eye contact, nodding, and paraphrasing show empathy and boost engagement.
For sensitive topics, reassure students that their voices matter. If a discussion may require follow-up, notify support staff in advance.
To keep participation balanced, use tools like ClassPoint’s Name Picker Wheel to randomly select students. This ensures everyone has a chance to contribute, especially quieter students. By creating a safe and inclusive space, you encourage open dialogue, build confidence, and strengthen communication skills.
5. Encourage Feedback Loops
Restorative circles are more than talking and listening. It involves addressing students’ questions and meeting their needs. Encourage deeper conversations by asking follow-up questions that prompt students to reflect and share additional insights.
When challenges arise, model a calm and attentive presence to show students you are fully engaged as they navigate difficulties. This strengthens connection and builds empathy within your classroom community.
To make implementation easier, ClassPoint’s Quick Poll allows students to respond with yes/no, true/false, or a 1–5 rating scale for instant feedback.
For creating an open space for further questions and discussion, explore ClassPoint’s live Q&A feature.
6. See the Bigger Picture
As you listen to each story, try to see the bigger picture. Is it part of a systemic issue? Are they facing racial, gender, or socioeconomic barriers?
Being part of a restorative circle means seeking out resources, stories, and information that shed light on how these systems connect. Look for real examples of people who have taken action to create change. By doing this, you help students make sense of their own experiences while seeing how they relate to larger forces. It also encourages them to connect with communities beyond the classroom and come up with their own solutions instead of having one imposed on them.
Together, you are creating a space where harm and healing exist side by side.
Next Steps to Take
Restorative circles should be implemented with care and consistency. Facilitators need proper training from their district or a certified organization like the International Institute for Restorative Practices (IIRP) before leading sessions.
As interest in restorative practices continues to grow, many districts are offering professional development for administrators, teachers, and counselors. School counselors play a key role in advocating for restorative circles and should work with administrators and district leaders to integrate them effectively.
FAQs
What are restorative circles, and how do they work in the classroom?
Restorative circles are structured discussions that promote open dialogue, active listening, and mutual understanding. In the classroom, they help students resolve conflicts, express their feelings, and build a supportive community. Educators facilitate these circles by setting clear guidelines, encouraging participation, and fostering a safe space for honest conversations.
How can teachers create a safe space for restorative circles?
Teachers can establish a safe space for restorative circles by building trust, setting clear expectations, and modeling respectful communication. Encouraging students to share their perspectives without fear of judgment is key. Tools like ClassPoint’s Short Answer activity can help facilitate open-ended discussions, while mindfulness exercises can set a calming tone.
What are some effective topics for restorative circle discussions?
Topics for restorative circles should be relevant and meaningful to students. Common themes include managing stress, handling conflicts, practicing empathy, and understanding diversity. Starting with an icebreaker or a reflective question like “What does this topic mean to you?” can help set the tone for deeper discussions.
How can restorative circles help students feel heard and valued?
Restorative circles encourage students to express themselves in a structured and supportive environment. Active listening, paraphrasing responses, and validating students’ experiences help reinforce their voices. Using a talking piece or rotating speaking turns ensures balanced participation, so every student has the opportunity to contribute.
What tools can educators use to facilitate restorative circles?
Educators can use digital tools to enhance restorative circles and keep discussions engaging. ClassPoint’s Quick Poll allows students to share feedback using yes/no, true/false, or a rating scale, while the live Q&A feature provides a platform for students to ask questions anonymously. These tools help create a dynamic and interactive discussion space.
