In Scoil Iósaf, we really try to live our school life in a restorative way. This means that we try and learn skills that will help us build good relationships, lessen conflict, restore relationships when conflict arises, and also solve problems in a creative way!
The Importance of Language...
Our words can have a big impact on how others feel about themselves and about us. We all know that name calling, mocking, etc. is harmful, but are we aware of how our everyday language can determine how healthy our relationships are?
We aim to use restorative language in our school. Below are some quick tips on how to use it to prevent a conflict from happening. (Please also click here for more detail on our thoughts on restorative language)
Some Key Steps to Avoid Conflict:
1) Restorative language is empathetic language; it considers others. So when trying to avoid conflict, we might begin speaking to somebody by saying something like "I understand you need to move around a bit.." or "I understand you are a bit tired today..." etc.
2) We then try to use "I" statements to express how we feel in the situation. Don't use "you" statements which might make the other person defensive.
"But, I am feeling anxious..."or "But I am feeling lonely..." etc.
3) Explain to them what your need is...
"I need to get my work done properly" or "I need to feel safe" etc.
4) Finish with a do-able request...something that is reasonable and realistic
"Could you give me 10 minutes to finish this and I chat to you then" or "Could we take it in turns to use that marker?" etc.
It's so important that we think about this approach each day. Thoughts influence emotions, and emotions influence subsequent actions. Over time the children become more self-reliant at solving their problems and, consequently, become more resilient. WHY NOT TRY IT OUT AT HOME TODAY IF THE OPPORTUNITY PRESENTS?
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CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING PRIVATE VIDEO LINK TO SEE SOME OF OUR CHILDREN DEMONSTRATING GOOD AND BAD USE OF RESTORATIVE LANGUAGE!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WObOQ77Hvc&feature=youtu.be
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Check-in Circles
Check in (or check out) circles are a great way to gauge how we are all doing on a given day. It is also an effective outlet for the teacher to touch base with every child before the school work begins. The more circles we do, the more we get to know about each other. This greater understanding gives us the fuel we need to develop healthy relationships, and the awareness we need to help prevent conflicts.
A check-in circle sees participants give their energy levels and then answer whatever prompt the facilitator has provided for the circle e.g. I feel happy when...My ideal job would be...My passion is...etc.
Click to get a sample list of check in prompts:
There are rules to check-in circles, and the facilitator helps the group agree to them: e.g. show respect to everybody, good body language, only the person with the talking piece can speak, you are free to pass your turn, etc.
Click on the following link to view some of Ms. Cronin's demonstrating a quick check-in!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=6fSL4PTKEdY&feature=youtu.be