Welcome educators and restorative-minded community members! In this issue I focus on restorative circles as powerful tools for creating connection, safety, respect, and voice. Circles provide a way to build relationship consistently and equitably with the support of ritual, structure, and healthy boundaries.
Nothing replaces proper training and participating in circles yourself, but also remember that sharing stories in circle is something humans have been doing since there was fire. There is no harm in doing very simple, very low-risk circles simply to build connection.
A sense of connection is the ballast that keeps us upright in difficult times. And remember, school connectedness is the number one protective factor against many adverse behaviors including violence and substance use. (Center for Disease Control Report)
How to begin?
Begin by reminding yourself of the main goals of community-building circles:
to allow everyone to be seen and/or heard.
to create a community ritual that is safe, predictable, inclusive, and relationship-based.
to provide the “ballast” of interconnection that make students and whole communities less likely to “tip over” when things get hard.
to create a process for problem solving when things become challenging.
The next step is to plan your circle. You can begin with this step-by-step Circle Planning Guide that I am currently developing. I am very interested in refining this guide so please let me know what you think! annie@truenatureteaching.com. Also check out the great resources below to support your process and send in your recommendations so I can share them with others.
Positive Qualities Circle: These printable cards are part of one my favorite class circles in which each member chooses a quality and explains why. (Cards are displayed as a centerpiece! See top photo)
I want to hear from you! Please contact me if you’d be willing to share the “good, bad & beautiful” of restorative work in your community or school. annie@truenatureteaching.com
