Restorative Mindset

School practices and procedures should align with the restorative mindset that focuses on relationships and values every member of the community

The fundamental unifying principle of restorative practices is that "human beings are happier, more cooperative and productive, and more likely to make positive changes in their behavior when those in positions of authority do things WITH them, rather than TO them or FOR them!" ~Wachtel

Understanding the Social Discipline Window

The Social Discipline Window is a concept with broad application in many settings. It describes four basic approaches to maintaining social norms and behavioral boundaries. The four approaches are represented as different combinations of high or low control and high or low support.

To

  • Authoritarian

  • Confronting

  • Win/Lose

Not

  • Indifferent

  • Given Up

For

  • Protective

  • Rescuing

  • Excusing

With

  • Problem Solving

  • Respectful

  • Responsive

What Does the Restorative Mindset Look Like in the Classroom?
Having a Restorative Mindset in the Classroom

  • Uses high levels of support and control when interacting with students

  • Builds a positive classroom community

  • Provides a safe environment for students to have voice without judgement

  • Works collaboratively with students to learn, problem solve and elicit student voice and ideas

  • Uses empathetic listening, “I” statements and reflective communication with students

  • Responds to problem behavior in a caring way, utilizing the “WITH” mindset

  • Uses circles for community and relationship building and classroom discussion

  • Responds to problem behavior in a way that restores the relationship and repairs harm