Positive and Restorative Approaches to School Behavior

Stance:

Creating expectations in the beginning of the year and having students create a class charter helps to foster a classroom community. Students have ownership of rules and procedures when they are involved in the process of making them. Encouraging and valuing student input is essential when creating the class rules which reinforce positive school behavior. Furthermore, I believe it is important for students to resolve problems collaboratively. When students are involved in the act of problem solving, students are encouraged to use dialogue. Students often learn critical negotiating skills in order to resolve their disputes. Through communication students will learn all individuals in the classroom are valued when peaceful settlements are encouraged. This will grow a sense of community in the classroom.

• Student reflected on personal experiences

• Students gained a better understanding of emotions, visually, through film clips

• Students communicated with peers using Accountable Talk

COLLABORATION

In this lesson:

• Students brainstormed similarities and differences between Rural, Urban and Suburban Communities

• Students collaborated with their peers

• Sorted pictures into three different categories

• Worked together to create definitions for each category

Student learning:

• Students understood the importance of communication

• After students sorted pictures they were able to make generalizations about each category

• When all groups were finished, students gathered on the carpet for a communal share

• Students shared their learning with their peers and teachers