Classroom management approaches that support school connectedness have numerous positive outcomes for students. Recent studies show that youth who feel connected to their schools are more likely to have higher test scores, attendance records, and graduation rates, and make healthier decisions. They are less likely to experience poor mental health and engage in violence.
IIRP Lecturer Kiyaana Cox Jones, M.S., provides a few easy steps you can use to quickly and effectively boost the feeling of connectedness for your students:
- Begin the school day with a check-in. Doing consistent check-ins daily or weekly will help you gauge how students are feeling and build stronger connections. Access our check-in circle guide here for additional support in getting started with restorative practices.
- Hold a listening circle. Listening circles are low-risk, easy-to-employ ways to understand your students and for them to understand each other. Start with easy questions to build a comfort level with the process. Then you can use them with students to allow them to express their thoughts on deeper or more complex topics.
- Do a new activity to deepen understanding. Maybe students have grown tired of doing the same routine every day. Try a communication-based activity where they can let go and learn more about each other. Some examples include having students write “Getting to Know You” papers about each other or integrating some team-building activities into your lesson plans.
- Establish and revisit community agreements or classroom norms. Engage WITH students to establish norms that best serve your classroom community. Here’s an example from Buxmont Academy, IIRP’s model program in Bethlehem, PA. Later in the year students may need a refresher. Include them in the reflection process and ask, “Are these agreements still serving our classroom?” and see what they say.
These simple activities will help you prioritize relationships and create an environment where everyone feels like they belong, needs are met, voices are heard, and barriers begin to break down. For more ideas and restorative practices resources, visit our Resources page or contact us today to explore opportunities to implement restorative practices in your setting.
