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At Brighton Park Elementary we use a restorative approach to student behavior.  In a nutshell this means that we try to repair the harm caused when a student acts inappropriately to another student, a staff member, or the school environment.  We believe that these practices not only lead to a calmer more thoughtful environment, but that they allow valuable opportunities for each student to learn how to correct their behavior in ways punitive consequences alone do not allow.  There are several Restorative Practices that we implement:

Restorative Mindset: Believing that all members of a community are responsible to and for each other, welcoming multiple perspectives and hearing all voices.  Holding those that do harm accountable for taking an active role in repairing harm. 

Restorative Language: Encouraging positive interactions through language using non-judgmental statements (I-statements), empathetic listening, and positive feedback.  Restorative questions are used to prompt someone to consider the feelings of others and the harm he/she may have caused. 

Restorative Conversations: Discussions that use restorative language to determine the harm caused by an action, reflect on the conflict, and identify ways to repair the harm caused to a relationship, person, or environment. 

Peace Circles or Talking Circles:  A way to build community, talk about issues affecting a classroom, school, or community.  They can be used to problem solve, celebrate, develop plans, or solve conflicts. 

Peer Conferences:  A process by which trained student mentors lead other students through the restorative problem solving process in order to resolve a conflict.  

Click here for a Restorative Practices Parent Guide!

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