Restorative Basics
This approach focuses on repairing harm and rebuilding relationships instead of just punishing behavior.
What is restorative practice?
The first step in de-escalation is regulating this person.
Who is the caregiver/adult?
This happens after conflict and helps rebuild trust.
What is repair?
In a family circle, this object helps people take turns.
What is a talking piece?
This is the “yellow zone” sign that often comes before a blow-up.
What is early warning signs (e.g., clenched fists, pacing, tone change)?
Restorative conversations start by identifying this before deciding what to do next.
What is the harm/impact?
A short phrase that communicates presence and reduces threat: “You’re safe. I’m ____.”
What is here?
A strong apology includes naming the specific behavior and its ____.
What is impact?
A circle rule that prevents interruptions: only the person with the talking piece ____.
What is speaks?
A prevention tool that reduces anxiety by making the day predictable.
What is routine?
A key restorative question that helps move from blame to responsibility.
What is “Who was affected and how?”
During a meltdown, the best strategy is fewer words and a calmer ____.
What is tone/voice?
Restorative follow-through is more than “sorry”—it includes ____ (actions to fix the harm).
What are amends/making it right?
A restorative question that helps someone reflect on motives in the moment.
What is “What were you thinking at the time?”
A common underlying need when kids argue about rules: “This isn’t fair!”
What is fairness?
Restorative work looks for accountability by asking what someone can do to…
What is make it right?
A boundary statement that holds safety without shame.
What is “I won’t let you hurt people or things”?
A “redo” is asking for a second chance to practice the ____ way.
What is respectful/safer/better?
A circle should happen when everyone is calm—not during the ____.
What is meltdown/escalation/crisis?
A conflict prevention strategy: practice skills when everyone is ____.
What is calm?
In restorative thinking, conflict is often about unmet ____ rather than the surface issue.
What are needs?
Offering two acceptable options helps reduce power struggles; this is called bounded ____.
What is choice?
Repair is most effective when it’s brief, sincere, and followed by one concrete ____ for next time.
What is plan/change?
A good circle ends with a written agreement and a plan to ____ back in.
What is check
This is the goal of consequences in restorative homes: learning + accountability + ____.
What is reconnection/repair/relationship?