The Restorative Revolution
What is the central shift restorative practice makes in the way we think about discipline?
Moving from punishment toward repairing harm, restoring relationships and building accountability.
In restorative practice, what two ideas must exist together: one protects dignity, while the other ensures responsibility?
Dignity and accountability. Restorative practice doesn't ask us to choose between being compassionate and holding people responsible
Why are clear expectations important in a restorative environment?
They help learners understand what successful participation and behaviour look like, making accountability possible.
What makes an affective statement different from simply saying, “That behaviour is unacceptable”?
It communicates the impact of the behaviour on people or the community, rather than simply judging the behaviour.
What is the key purpose of an impromptu restorative conversation?
To address an issue in the moment while preserving the relationship and encouraging accountability.
True or False: Restorative practice is primarily about being more lenient when learners misbehave.
False. Restorative practice isn't about being softer. It combines care, accountability, responsibility and repair.
True or False: Respect means adults should never challenge or confront a learner's behaviour.
False. Respect doesn't mean avoiding difficult conversations. We can challenge behaviour while protecting the learner's dignity.
True or False: Restorative practice means expectations should remain flexible and unstated so learners can make their own choices.
False. Restorative practice doesn't remove structure. Clear expectations + relationships + accountability work together.
True or False: An affective statement can communicate the impact of behaviour without labelling the learner as a bad person.
True. Restorative language separates the behaviour from the identity of the learner.
True or False: An impromptu restorative conversation must always be long and formal to be effective.
False. It can be brief, immediate and informal. It doesn't need to become a formal conference.
After harm occurs, what three things does a restorative approach seek to encourage in the learner?
Understand the impact → take responsibility → work towards repair.
A teacher says, “I know you can do better, and I want to understand what happened.” What restorative principles are being demonstrated?
High expectations + belief in the learner + invitation to take responsibility.
What should teachers do with expectations before they expect learners to consistently meet them?
Teach them, model them and give learners opportunities to practise them.
Which is more restorative: “You are being disrespectful” OR “When you interrupt, it makes it difficult for others to finish sharing their ideas”? Why?
The second. It identifies the behaviour and communicates its impact on others without attacking the learner's character.
A learner makes a hurtful comment to a peer. Give one restorative way of opening the conversation.
Example: “I heard what was said. Can we talk for a moment about what happened and how it affected them?”
Why are relationships considered foundational to restorative practice?
Relationships create the foundation for belonging, accountability and meaningful repair.
Which mindset is more restorative: “How do I make this learner pay?” OR “What happened, who was affected, and what needs to happen next?” Why?
The second. It moves beyond punishment and asks us to understand what happened, the impact and the path toward repair.
Put these in the most restorative order: Reinforce → Teach → Revisit → Practise.
Teach → Practise → Reinforce → Revisit.
What important shift happens when we move from judgemental language to restorative language?
We move from judging the person → addressing the behaviour and its impact.
Which question better promotes accountability: “Do you agree that I am right?” OR “What were you thinking, and who has been affected by what happened?” Why?
The second. It encourages the learner to consider their choices, the impact on others and their responsibility.