And just like that...

 ... the 2023-2024 school year has come to a close.    Looking back, I am well aware I probably should have been blogging.   This year I poured every ounce of my being in being super conscious and intentional in regard to teaching restoratively.    

True to form - we did a lot of reflection this year.   Here are some of the tid-bits students shared with me on their final reflections.  

On the last day of school, I asked students to take a risk and do a "Start-Stop-Keep" Task.    I explained to them one last time that their wants and their ideas are important to me.    What is it I should START doing?   What is it I should STOP doing?   What should I KEEP doing?  

Students asked me to STOP doing progress monitoring on Wednesdays when we were on an altered schedule.   They knew I could not change the bell schedule, but they suggested we NOT progress monitor on Wednesdays.    They concluded that Wednesday's and Friday's would be perfect days for being in Circle.   Two of my four classes suggested we have a "mini" Circle on Wednesday's and then after Progress Monitoring on Friday, we get into Circle so that they go into their weekend "armed."  

Students asked me to START doing personal journals immediately and not to wait until mid-year.    They found their personal journals (ones I never ever read) to be incredibly therapeutic and relaxing.    Students also asked for me to see if there was a way to add more twinkle lights to our already small classroom.  

It has been a wonderful year.   I can't believe August will mark the start of year TWENTY for me.  

  

First Classroom Circle - Community Building!

On September 15th, I facilitated our first official classroom circle of the school year.  

I told students about us being in Circle all week and warned them that when they came into class on Friday, things would look different.

As they walked in, you could tell they were a bit freaked out just by watching their body language and facial expressions.

For each class, the first thing I did was explain to them "the point" of us being in Circle and what I hoped they would gain from the experience individually as well as collectively.   

We immediately began working on understanding the talking piece (stuffed fox) and establishing our values.   

Each student had a clipboard and something to write with and on.   I teach high school special ed and I wanted my students to be able to jot down any thoughts they may wish to share while actively listening and respecting the speaker as well as the talking piece.   

At the beginning of class, I had students write down the time and a few words/phrases as to how they were feeling.   After we closed Circle, I had students write down the time again and new words on what they were feeling.  

Here are some of the responses I received:

Student A:   

Start:  I am nervous.     

Finish:   I feel happy after being in Circle.  

Student B:  

Start:  I am tired and confused.      

Finish:   I really liked Circle.  I know it was a part of class but it did not feel like work.  I feel like we know each other more now.

Student C:  

Start:  This is making me nervous.    

Finish:   I liked the Circle.  I feel more comfortable.

Student D:  

Start:  This is weird.  I feel weird.

Finish:  I liked the circle.  It made me feel good about myself.

Student E:

Start:  This is different.  This is weird.  Not gonna lie, feel kinda scared.

Finish:  I really liked Circle and I think we should do it more.

Student F:

Start:   I feel bored and like this is going to be stupid.

Finish:  I loved this.  I feel more respected after Circle.   When are we going to do this again?

Student G:

Start:   No offense Miss G, but you are a crazy white lady.   What are we doing?   This is weird.  

Finish: OK.   Sorry Miss G.    This was really cool.   I feel really good but also it made me hungry.  

Student H:

Start: I feel uncomfortable, I want to go home.  

Finish: OK, this was cool.   I feel better.   This was fun and funny.   I had fun.   I didn't know my classmates were so interesting.   It was nice to hear what other people had to say.   

Student I:

Start:  I am so confused and I do not want to be bored.

Finish:  I was not bored at all.   This was fun.

Student J:

Start:  This is weird.

Finish:  I felt really good.  Especially at the end.   I was so happy to hear what other people had to say.  I was so happy to have people listen to me.

Student K:

Start:  I'm excited for this.

Finish:  In my genuine opinion, from the start of this period, I knew this was going to be fun.   I loved it.

Student L:

Start:  I feel sad.   I don't want to do this.

Finish:  I feel a little better.   Actually, I liked it.   I need help with my mood sometimes.   

Student M:

Start:  I'm confused.

Finish:  I feel so much better than I did all day.

Student N:

Start:   Stressed.   Why do math teachers cause so much stress?   I am tired.  I am sore.  I am confused.

Finish:   This was so much fun!

Student O:

Start:  Angry.

Finish:  Comfortable.   I want to do this again.   I feel good now and I feel like I know everyone's likes and dislikes now.

Student P:

Start:  I feel curious.

Finish:  Having conversations in a Circle seemed better than at normal seating.   I feel relaxed.

Student Q:

Start:  Curious.  Eager

Finish:  I would love to do it again!   I liked talking to everyone and I can't wait for next time.

Today there were at least 2 or 3 kids in each class that asked when we were going to be in Circle again.   

I'm optimistic!

Loads of Links on RJE/RP/Circle Processes

Full transparency:   Sometimes I lose my Internet favorites, or do some sort of I-Don't-Know-What with my laptop and I lose a link.   It happens.   BUT... if you are interested in learning more about Restorative Justice in Education, Restorative Processes, and Circle Processes - feel free to figure out a way to save my blog for these resources and more!

This past summer, I did A LOT of reading and work for my grad class through EMU called Facilitating Circle Processes.

This class may have been A LOT of information and quite time-consuming, but it was SO WORTH it.  I can't say this enough - I am SO glad I did NOT let my anxiety WIN!   I was truly on the fence on taking the course or not, and while I lost a lot of pool time, I gained so much more.   

Our class was organized into "Themes" and there was a significant amount of reading in addition to video watching.  NOT all videos assigned are posted, but the ones that can be found on YouTube are.   Some of the videos are seriously super brief, and some are a bit longer.   

Feel free to "save" this page somehow to come back for a looksie.

Theme 1:  Setting the Stage for Circle in Schools:

Talking about Circles in Schools: An Introduction  (5 minutes, 25 seconds)

Restorative Practices and Peacemaking Circles in Schools  (26 minutes of AWESOME)

Theme 2:  Building Your Circle-Keeping Muscle

This theme had a variety of videos but they aren't "public" so I don't feel cozy sharing them.  HOWEVER, feel free to check out the book Circle Forward from www.livingjusticepress.org -- you NEED this book!

Theme 3: Listening and Students with Special Needs

Not gonna lie, the videos for this theme were just a bit "eh" for me, I enjoyed the readings way more.   With that said, get yourself back on to www.livingjusticepress.org and order yourself a copy of Creating Restorative Schools - it's phenomenal! 

The Value of Deep Listening   (17 minutes)

Expanding the Webinar   (1 hour, 18 minutes)

Theme 4:  Implementing RJE and Circles School Wide

Theme 5:  Youth-Led RJE and Circles 

Oakland Public Schools Peer Mediation  (7 minutes)

Exploring Youth-Led RJ  (1 hour, 22 minutes, loved!)

Theme 6:  Whiteness and Harm

Theme 7:  Repairing Harm 

Teacher-Student Restorative Circle  (One of my absolute favorites!!!  14 minutes)

Restorative Justice - Circle on Harm in Cafeteria  (4 minutes, 30 seconds)

Restorative Justice in Oakland Schools:  Tier One Community Building Circle (9 minutes, 31 seconds)

Repairing our schools through restorative justice  (13 minutes, 26 seconds)

Restorative Welcome and Re-entry  (14 minutes)

Theme 8 was for our first week "live" in class on Zoom and Theme 9 was about Decolonizing Restorative Justice

Again... no videos to share for these themes BUT I can't stress enough the importance of checking out our class texts!   You will want the 2020 version of Circle Forward and Creating Restorative Schools.  Ideally, it would be awesome if you order from www.livingjusticepress.org 

Theme 10:  Consistent Circle Practice in the Classroom

Restorative Practices Circle (4 minutes)

Community Circles  (3 minutes)

Restorative Circles: Creating a Safe Environment for Students to Reflect  (4 minutes)

Theme 11: Social-Emotional Learning

CASEL videos

Theme 12:  Difficult Conversations and Staff Circles

Weekly Circles: Building Community to Foster Academic Achievement (6 minutes)

For themes 13-15, our videos were in our Google Folder and I'm not comfy with sharing those out.  However, again, look into Eastern Mennonite University Graduate Programs and Graduate Certificate Programs!!!! 

Theme 13:  When Things Go Wrong

Theme 14: Addressing Inquity and Injustice

Theme 15:  Mindfulness and Trauma-Informed Practices

Tid-Bits...

As I put the final touches on my last assignment for my summer class... I thought I'd jot down some of the tidbits shared this past week while we were in Zoom.    

This class was A LOT of work, but it was SO worth it.   I am optimistic on so many levels.

Again... just random tidbits that I wrote down 

• Shame is not a prerequisite for growth.

• What perspectives are being missed by schools being so white?

• Be curious.  Be the detective and not the judge. 

• We need to not rely on the emotions of others to heal our own.

• You may never physically see a change in a kid while doing restorative practices, it doesn't mean change isn't happening, it doesn't mean you should stop.

• If a student chooses to not be in Circle physically, that is okay.   It shouldn't be a time to do nothing though.   Students can be in Circle and pass each time.

• It can take the brain at least 18 minutes to come back from a harmful microaggression.   18 minutes!  

• Do not speed through the process of creating class values!

My first ever Circle Plan

First and foremost:  Be gentle with me, this is my first ever Circle Plan and if you look at the post above this, you will see how it went.  ;-)

Secondly:  this plan was done with my family and I was well-behaved and remained as neutral as possible.  

This plan was adapted from Circle Forward (2020) Module 5.2 (Who and What Makes Us Feel Good) and Module 5.5 (What Are You Worried About)

Sidenote:  I absolutely encourage you to check out all the books/resources available at Living Justice Press.   If/When ordering Circle Forward, please make sure you have the 2020 edition.   Also, Creating Restorative Schools is outstanding as well and I'm not just saying that because my professor may be reading this (and she wrote the book).   ;-) 

Here is a cut and paste of my plan with edits suggested by my professor.

I quickly learned this week while being "live" in class that it is okay to go off script and for the Circle to go in an interesting discussion.   Scroll up to see how this went.   

PREPARATION:

1. What is the purpose of your circle?

The purpose of this circle is to increase the emotional literacy of our family by discussing feel good emotions/scenarios as well as worry/stress emotions/scenarios   

2. What materials do you need?

Talking piece, circle center, drawing materials, values and guidelines 

3. How will you prepare your whole self for the Circle?

Outdoor quiet and barefoot meditation 

CIRCLE:   Wednesday, July 26th 6pm 

4. Opening Ceremony

Honoring the Land:   Feet in Grass

Lebanon County – Lenai Lenape 

Song:   “Better Place” by Rachel Platten 

5. Purpose Statement

Today I invite you to talk about the things that make you happy about yourself and our family.  We’re also going to talk about the changes happening in our lives, in society, and in our family and how that makes you feel.  

6. Centerpiece – what are you using? 

Family Photo(s) on 1st Baby Blanket

Invitation to place an item of importance on the blanket

7. Values/Guidelines 

• Each person in Circle is valued.

• We will listen to the best of our ability.

• We will speak only when holding the talking piece.

• We will take deep breaths if/when feeling frustrated.

• We will give wait time to each member of the Circle.

• We can hold hands with one another while speaking, but we must stay in our spot in Circle.  

8. Talking Piece (what is it, why, honor the talking piece)

Cardinal Figurine.   

In our family, we enjoy being out in nature.  For us, being out in nature is calming and healing.   When we see a Cardinal or a Red-Tailed Hawk, we believe it’s an angel saying “hello.”

9. Guiding Questions (related to purpose)

Drawings followed by discussion:

• I invite you to draw a picture of what/who makes YOU feel good.

i. You are invited to tell us about your picture and why you drew it the way you did.  

ii. You are invited to share about the person you may have chosen to draw.

• I invite you to draw a picture of something that makes you worry or simply prepare to share what worries you.

i. I invited you to hold up the drawing if you choose.

• Draw a picture of what you look like when you feel worried (or stressed).

i. How can you tell others that you’re feeling worried?

ii. How can you tell if others are feeling worried?

iii. What can you do to help make you feel better about your worries?

• Draw a picture of what you look like when you are not feeling worried or stressed.  

i. If you so choose, discuss what you drew.  

10. Check-out round

i. Is there anything else would you like to share with your family today?

ii. How do you feel about talking together as a family in Circle?  Is this something we should do more?

11. Closing Ceremony

Songs:

Brent Morgan – Gonna Be Okay

Zak Abel – Be Kind

Barefoot Family Grass Walk

Return to Circle

12. Thank everyone for coming and being in the circle.

References:

Boyes-Watson, C., & Pranis, K. (2020). Circle forward: Building a restorative school community. Living Justice Press. 

An inspiring two weeks...

The start of July marked the start of my second Restorative Justice in Education Graduate class through EMU.   Attending the RJE EMU conference definitely helped renew my spirit.   So much happened this past school year.  SO much.   I'm finally at a place of feeling back-to-me and I am eager to learn in hopes of having the courage to be an agent of change.

The class I am taking is called Facilitating Circle Processes. Even though the class is just kicking off, I'm already pleased to know that I'm in a safe place with amazing folks.

My class textbook is written by my professor and it's an amazing read. The book is called "Creating Restorative Schools" by Martha Brown. I'm not anywhere near finished this text, but I can tell you right now, it's worth it... and it sucks you in. You can order it here. It is also on Amazon, but LJP shipped just as fast and I think they're a better choice. We have a variety of texts we're working with, but the second required one is Circle Forward (click this).

I've read so much this week, but this quote by Gary Howard really stood out to me:

“An unexamined life on the part of a White teacher is a danger to every student.”

(Brown, 2018, p.39)

It always amazes me how fulfilled and inspired I feel in my graduate classes at EMU.

When I have time, and selfishly for my reference, I'll be posting some videos I've enjoyed.

I absolutely love what I am learning. LOVE!

Restorative Justice in Education Conference

This past spring, I completed my very first class on Restorative Justice in Education.   I absolutely fell in love with what I was learning.    

Need a recap?   Give this a clicky.

Want me to blow your mind about our pal Maslow?   Give this a clickety click.

So in true "I'm obsessed with my learning" form... I decided to treat myself and spend $100 to attend the RJE in EDU Conference and let me tell you... best spent money in a long time!   

Cool fact:   After the conference, they sent you the recordings of the sessions!   And yes, even the sessions you didn't choose!   #geeksout

So here are just a few (emphasis on FEW) takeaways before I re-watch and re-absorb the information.

Theme:  DIGNITY in the MIDST of CONFLICT

• Conflict IS a learning OPPORTUNITY.

• All SIGNIFICANT relationships have conflict.

• There are invisible things happening at all times.   

• BE PRESENT!

• Have you looked at what your students CAN do instead of focusing on what they can't do?  Note to all:  it's not that they can't do it... it's that they can't do it YET.

• Trick question alert:  what IS power?   Seriously... what is it? 

• When you think of fairy tales and Disney stories... are you drawn to the hero or the villain?   When sitting in a circle, there is no hero and there is no villain.

• The circle process can be many things, including spiritual.    The circle process is sacred.   Yes, we teach in public schools but the moment we walk into work, we do not leave our soul.   We do not leave our values or beliefs in the parking lot.   When we enter a circle, we're there and present... all of us.

• Do not assess time in circle... no points are taken if a student isn't willing to share

• How do you define JOY?   How do you celebrate JOY?

• COMPREHENSION of anything or anyone begins with CONVERSATION

• AAA: Acknowledge, Affirm, Act 

And lastly... 

Am I honoring?

Am I measuring?

What message am I sending?  

I am now beginning a very intense summer class on Circle Processes and I hope to remember to blog more about the conference as well as about my learnings on Circle Processes.    

Spring Break

 

I saw the T-shirt above as a pop-up ad, and while I did not purchase it {But you can HERE}, it did resonate with me.  

Spring Break this year was NEEDED.   I felt a lot of "eh" and "blah" coming at me and even through me on the days leading up to break.  It seemed like everywhere I turned, someone was in a foul mood.   When I feel the "ugh" start coming on, I immediately do my best to get out into nature.

This Spring Break we headed down to one of our favorite spots, Virginia!   Specifically Skyline Drive/Shenandoah and Harrisonburg where the EMU main campus is located.    Here are just a few {emphasis on few} of my favorite photos.   The break was refreshing and good for the soul.   Yesterday was our first day back to school and I really missed my students.   I can't believe that summer break is less than two months away!   

Restorative Justice in RJE & a PodCast Recommendation

It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of Eastern Mennonite University and what I have studied there and what I am presently studying.   This past summer, I began classes in the "TREE" program.                  TREE = Trauma and Resilience in Educational Environments.   As I began working in this program, I found myself falling in love with what I'm learning.    I confess that originally I had decided to "go back to school" for the financial bonus of going from "Masters pay" to "M +15" which I'll reach this August.  I had no idea how deeply I'd be impacted by what I'm learning.   After talking with my academic advisor about what I was feeling, he suggested I work towards a second certificate:  Restorative Justice in Education. 

Once again, I find myself completely BLOWN AWAY and INSPIRED by what I'm learning.   I'm presently enrolled in Foundations of Restorative Justice.   I went into this class really not knowing what RJ was.   The more I learn, the more I read, the more I chat with my professor and colleagues - the more I feel in my bones that this is NOT some sort of "educational fad" but truly is a mindset shift, and in my opinion, the right way to go.

RJE can take us on a whole new path regarding how we handle the trials and tribulations of life in education.  Once you get an understanding of RJE, everything {at least to me} just seems to make sense. I find this especially true in regard to discipline issues.   Discipline goes from being punitive and authoritative to more meaningful (for lack of a better term).

Instead of scolding a student and bashing them and a choice they made, RJ urges more conversation.

1.  What happened?

2.  What were you thinking at the time?

3.  What have you thought about it since?

4.  Who has been affected and in what way?

5.  How could things be done differently?

6.  What do you think needs to happen next?  

You can even go further in this conversation by asking things such as:

-What did you think when you REALIZED what happened?

-What impact has the incident had on you and others?

-What do you think needs to happen to make things right?

What I'm learning in class is that yes, this will take time.  I am also learning that not only is it a mind-shift for many of us, but it is also not a "quick fix" - the reality is it takes a good 3-5 years to properly implement.

With that said, I would LOVE for YOU {Yes, YOU!} to take the time to listen to Episode 82 of Leading Out the Woods Podcast.   Episode 82 is 45 minutes long, you can pause and return back to it if you're pressed for time.   Episode 82 interviews my professor for my current class.   You will find that Dr. Aundrea Smiley keeps it real.   I absolutely adore her on all levels, and I'm so sad that this class is coming to an end soon.