Circle in the square: Building community and repairing harm in school.

Source: (2012) St. Paul, Minnesota: Living Justice Press.

This book describes how these school have been applying restorative principles. Because Circles are so adaptable not only to repairing harm but even more to preventing it, I will also describe the elements of the Circle process and its uses in educational settings. In addition to repairing harm, Circles serve to develop relationships, to build a sense of community, and in fact, to teach any topic. They can be an effective alternative to suspension and can be used to create safe learning environments, which contribute to academic achievement. They can be an effective alternative to suspension and can be used to create safe learning environments, which contribute to academic achievement. The stories and case studies that follow have been gleaned from my work with teachers, principals, behaviour specialists, and school liaison officers. In sharing them, I hope to stir your imagination to develop a restorative context and community in your own school — or anywhere that children and youth gender gather. (excerpt)