At GVA DC, we encourage families to contact teachers directly for first-hand information about their students to prevent misunderstandings. We also urge students to approach their teachers or supervising adults immediately if they encounter any issues or need support. Our administrators are always available to provide assistance, resources, and mediation when students, families, or staff require help.
When conflicts arise, we encourage students to use restorative practices to solve them. Restorative practices emphasize building a caring community, teaching peaceful conflict resolution, and helping students understand the impact of their actions. These practices promote positive relationships and proactive behavior management. They involve several strategies, including one-on-one restorative conversations, community circles, positive reinforcement, and the 4-Step Problem Solving approach.
4-Step Problem Solving (Student-Driven)
This is an easy, student-centered approach to resolving conflicts. Both students face each other, make eye contact, and take turns speaking. Here’s the script for the 4
Steps:
(Student’s name) I didn’t like it when (you pushed me, called me names, etc.)
It made me feel _______. Please stop! (The offending student must verbally confirm they will stop.)
One-on-One Restorative Conversations (Facilitated by Adults)
In these conversations, an adult helps guide the process, focusing on repairing harm and finding the next steps. The process includes:
- Identifying what happened
- Understanding how each party felt
- Determining what harm was done
- Who is taking responsibility for that harm
- What the victim needs to move forward
- The offender's role in repairing the harm
Community Circles
Community circles are a restorative practice that builds a sense of community, promotes open communication, and strengthens relationships among students and teachers. They can be used for problem-solving, celebration, or just checking in on students' well-being.
Key Elements of a Community Circle:
- Seating Arrangement: Everyone sits in a circle to promote equality and inclusivity.
- Talking Piece: Only the person holding the talking piece may speak while others practice listening.
- Facilitator: A teacher or student guides the discussion with prompts or questions.
- Guiding Questions/Prompts: These encourage reflection or conversation on anything from conflict resolution to goal setting.
- Check-ins: Students can share their feelings or challenges or successes, fostering trust and empathy.
- Problem Solving and Conflict Resolution: Students and teachers discuss conflicts and brainstorm solutions collaboratively.
- Reflection and Closing: The circle ends with reflecting on what was learned and a thank-you for sharing openly.
Positive Reinforcement in Conflict Solving and Relationship Building
Positive reinforcement is an effective tool in conflict resolution and building positive relationships. It involves recognizing and rewarding positive behavior and encouraging students to repeat those behaviors.
Using Positive Reinforcement in Conflict Solving:
- Praise constructive behavior: Acknowledge when students attempt to resolve conflicts peacefully. For example, “I appreciate how you listened to each other’s perspectives.”
- Highlight collaborative actions: If students work together to find a solution, emphasize their cooperation: “Great teamwork in finding a compromise!”
- Reinforcing Positive Relationships: Recognize kindness and cooperation. Praise acts of kindness and teamwork, like helping a peer: “Thank you for being so thoughtful!”
- Model positive behavior: Teachers can model respectful behavior and reward students when they mirror these actions.
- Acknowledge inclusivity: Highlight when students include others or show empathy: “I noticed how you invited your classmate to join your game—thank you for being so considerate.”
- Create daily or weekly rituals: Use “Shout-Out Circles” or peer recognition to encourage students to compliment and appreciate each other publicly.
At GVADC, restorative practices and positive reinforcement create a thriving environment for students to resolve conflicts and build lasting, healthy relationships.
Assistant Principal