Restorative Practices: Using Circles to Build Relationships and Repair Harm

Circles are at the center of restorative practices here at PIA! The circle itself is a symbol of unity - it provides space for learning communities to share leadership and power, connect with one another face to face, and focus on building peace. We utilize different circles for different reasons - some circles are used for building connection while others are specifically used for repairing harm. Here’s a breakdown of the types of circles we use and when we use them!

Community Building Circles

These circles are used frequently and consistently across all learning communities and are essential to the effectiveness of restorative practices. They're used to build and maintain strong relationships within the community ("community" being the group of people sharing space at any given time of the day). The purpose is to connect, play, laugh, and build empathy.

Norm Setting Circles

These circles center student voice in the process of building norms for the learning community. We ask students what they need to feel safe, supported, and successful in that learning space and use their responses to create shared agreements. These circles are done for every class period and every learning community because what a student needs in Math may be different from what they need in Advisory.

Restorative Circles

Restorative circles are used as a way for the community to come together, identify a problem that's been occurring, and work together to help solve that problem. The circle participants come up with a shared understanding of the problem, the harm caused, who was impacted by the harm, what the ideal situation would be if the problem didn't exist, and then they work together to identify solutions to the problem. The teacher serves as a facilitator so that student voice is at the center of the entire process.

Re-Entry Circles

Re-entry circles are intended to be used upon re-entry to the learning community after major wrongdoing toward another person or people that may have resulted in a suspension. These circles are far less frequent than any other type of circle. Prior to returning to the learning community where harm occurred, students participate in a re-entry circle to begin the process of healing and repairing.