Phillips Friday Focus
November 2, 2018
Why Restorative Practices? contributed by Jennifer :)
Why Restorative Practices?
All humans are hardwired to connect with others. Just as we need food, shelter and clothing, human beings also need strong and meaningful relationships in order to thrive. This need to connect and have meaningful relationships is part of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.
We, the social creatures that we are, will not meet our full potential unless our basic and psychological needs are met. If you have reached the ripe old age of adulthood feeling fairly satisfied with life, you have many people to thank including family, friends, educators, and many more. There are many explanations as to why some of our students’ needs are not being met. However, I see this as an opportunity for us to be a Superhero, Superstar, Game Changer, or VIP for a child. Not only do our students need relationships with us in order to learn, they need us to model how that’s done, how to treat others, how to have a voice, and how to take responsibility for their actions. Our 90 second Spark Plans and two-minute connections are helping us lay the ground work. The next step will be for us to add “Circles” with the intent of giving students a voice.
Restorative Practices help students take responsibility for their behaviors by:
1. Focusing on relationships.
In Restorative Practices, the emphasis is on promoting, fostering and sustaining positive relationships and teaching students what to do when there is conflict or difficulty in a relationship. Talking improves understanding and empathy. This takes the retribution out of the equation and lets students know that relationships can be restored after conflict or difficulties.
2. Building empathy.
Students are made aware of the real consequences of their actions by facing the person who was harmed and hearing how that person feels and what they are thinking. By developing compassion and empathy for others and understanding how their behavior affects others, students can learn to regulate their own behavior.
3. Agreeing on relevant and supportive consequences.
Reparation is decided between the two parties so that any follow up is relevant to the harm done. For example, if a student spoke rudely to a teacher, the student may repair the harm by apologizing and promising to ask for help when feeling stressed. The teacher will then agree to offer support when work becomes difficult.
4. Using a no-blame approach.
When students and teachers agree to a restorative conversation, respectful language is used in a non-threatening and non-confrontational manner. When students are given the opportunity to be accountable for their behavior in a safe, supportive environment, they are more likely to accept responsibility and be prepared to change their behavior.
5. Giving everyone a voice.
Students are given an opportunity to speak their truth, to tell their story and be heard. This process gives schools more information about what is going on for students and can help teachers assist students to avoid those difficult situations in the future.
Staff Shout Outs!
Biven, Hagler, and Wren- our Amazing Breakfast trio that serve hundreds of kids every morning in the cafeteria
Khristina Cole- coordinating all our screenings last week
What's Ahead...
November 5- PLC day for Math teachers, Number Talks and Dreambox, 3-5 ELAR teachers will work with Natalie on Guided Reading
November 6- CoGAT testing starts, grades 1 and 3
November 7- 4:00 District planning, Grade 1&2 at Nash, 3&4 at Monday, 5th here
November 8- GT Field Trip (grades 1-3)
November 9- Picture retakes, GT Field Trip (grades 4-5)
November 12- Grades 3-5 mid-point checks this week, SST meetings, 6:00 School Board
meeting
November 14- Thanksgiving lunch (altered lunch schedule), 4:00 Teacher meeting
(Fundamental Five chapter 6 discussion)
November 15- 4th grade Field Trip, 2:00 CIP committee meeting
November 16- Big Kahuna party bus ride and lunch, Sunshine luncheon
November Leadership Book
I love seeing the displays on the back hallway. Students make connections with the monthly book with all the different ways you all are responding to the story.
Thank you!
Happy Birthday
Nov. 13- Rebeca Badillo
Nov. 15- Winter Cason
Nov. 20- Christie Miller
Nov. 26- Michelle Pasley
Nov. 27- Sara Kramer
Nov. 29- Lisa Macalik