Author's posts
Nov 16
Why restorative practices won’t work for bullying Part 1 of 2: Nov. 9 & 10/21
Listen on I-Tunes Circle Forum Join our guest this week,Barbara Coloroso, as we discuss where NOT to use restorative practices. We consider an excellent response to an in-class bullying situation. Part 2 continues the conversation with what is described as adult conflict when it’s really bullying, utter disregard for another human being. “It’s a short walk …
Nov 16
“If I would have known, I would have…” Nov. 2/21
Listen on I-Tunes Circle Forum Educators who know their students’ stories will understand the risk factors that can lead to student absenteeism. A trusted caring adult can make a difference in the lives of students. The lived experience of Indigenous students and their families impacts students’ behaviours and is important for educators to learn and to …
Nov 16
Canadian study shows substantial increase in extreme absenteeism during pandemic: Oct 26/21
Listen on I-Tunes Circle Forum Our guest this week is Dr. Kelly Gallagher-McKay who was a leading researcher in a study of 700,000 Toronto area school boards which showed extreme absenteeism, students missing over 50% of school days, increased 6 fold over the pandemic last school year. Dr. Gallagher-Mckay co-authored a longitudinal study which showed 3 …
Nov 16
Unsettling settlers: a lot to talk about and a lot to undo Parts 1 & 2 – Oct. 17/21
Listen on I-Tunes Circle Forum Our guest this week is Dr. Edward Valandra who encouraged us to keep challenging our thinking and perspectives in restorative practices. As white facilitators, we need to consider our cultural baggage before even entering a circle conversation and listen to the perspectives of participants who are black, indigenous and persons of …
Oct 16
Restorative leadership challenging in the pandemic: Podcast Oct. 12/21
Listen to the podcast now. Steve tells a compelling story about what it’s like in the pandemic when leadership is NOT firm or fair. Leaders who avoid conflict or confrontation risk harm to their staff and to their students. Restorative Practices suggestions:Build your relationships with your staff early. Listen to understand staff strengths from previous …
Oct 16
Building connections with students complicated by the pandemic – podcast Oct. 5/21
Listen to podcast now Join our guest this week, Brendan Hyatt, Director of The Northwest Catholic District School Board in Ontario as we discuss how the pandemic has amplified student absenteeism. Restorative practices suggestions:Get to know your learners before you take any actions. Start with your attendance data and get to know the story there. …
Sep 16
How restorative practices helped student attendance Sept. 28/21
Circle Forum Podcast Circle conversations are essential student attendance and engagement and need to involve everyone impacted by student absenteeism. Looking for patterns in student tardiness can help address student engagement by simply asking the students. Restorative practices suggestions: When in doubt about student engagement, have a circle and ask the students themselves. Is the …
Sep 16
Challenging power dynamics in restorative practices Sept. 21/21
Circle Forum Podcast The article below by Lyubansky & Shpungin really challenged us in our practices. It’s not an easy read nor is the topic comfortable. It is important to reflect on the power dynamics in our classrooms, meeting rooms and school districts. Restorative practices suggestions: Reflect on your practice by asking who has been …
Sep 16
Use circles to make space for BIPOC students’ voices Sept. 14/21
Circle Forum podcast As a teacher of English as a Second Language in Windsor, Ontario, Amina Abdulle views the needs of newcomer students holistically. It’s vital for educators to create a safe space for students to be themselves, to help students build connections and to empower them to make mistakes in learning a new language. …
Sep 16
Daily circles improved student attendance for students with special needs Sept. 7/21
Season 2 Circle Forum podcast Restorative Practice conversations about student attendance and engagement Teaching students with developmental delays and mild intellectual disabilities, Soukaine Berri, a teacher in Windsor, Ontario, uses daily circles to engage her class. In our podcast this week she says that before circles there were “lots of instances where they were getting …