Restorative Practices and Social-Emotional Learning: Building a Thriving School Culture

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) competencies—self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making—are essential for students to thrive both academically and personally. These competencies, as defined by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), are developed through both direct instruction and everyday social experiences in school.

However, the development of SEL skills depends heavily on the culture and climate of a school. Schools with high expectations for student behavior, paired with strong support and guidance, provide the environment in which students can grow, take risks, and build meaningful relationships. Restorative Practices offer a powerful, research-informed framework to support SEL and create school cultures where every student and staff member can succeed.

What Are Restorative Practices?

Restorative Practices (RP) are a set of strategies and approaches that strengthen relationships, build community, and address harm in a constructive way. Rather than focusing solely on compliance and punishment, RP emphasizes understanding, accountability, and repair.

In schools, RP is implemented through a three-tiered framework:

1. Community Building Circles

2. Restorative Chats

3. Restorative Conferences

These tiers work together to improve school culture, support SEL development, and create opportunities for students and staff to practice essential social-emotional skills throughout the day.

Community Building Circles: Cultivating Connection and Empathy

Community Building Circles are structured, intentional spaces where students and educators come together to share, listen, and connect. In circles, students are encouraged to tell their story and listen to others, fostering reflection, self-awareness, and empathy.

Through this process, students:

• Examine their thoughts, emotions, and values

• Explore how their decisions impact themselves and others

• Develop perspective-taking and social awareness

• Practice relationship skills, such as active listening and respectful communication

Circles often include co-created guidelines that support safe, respectful sharing. Over time, these routines help students develop confidence, self-regulation, and the ability to engage constructively with their peers. Community Building Circles are a foundational tool for cultivating a positive school climate.

Restorative Chats: Transforming Everyday Conflicts

Restorative Chats are short, intentional conversations that address conflict in real time. These conversations shift language from blame to curiosity, helping students reflect on their actions and take responsibility.

Key elements of Restorative Chats include asking questions such as:

• “What happened?”

• “What were you thinking at the time?”

• “Who has been affected?”

• “What needs to be done to make it right?”

When educators and students consistently use this language of curiosity, conflicts are less likely to escalate. Students develop responsible decision-making skills, and relationships are maintained or repaired. Restorative Chats transform routine conflicts into opportunities for growth and learning.

Restorative Conferences: Repairing Harm and Building Accountability

Restorative Conferences are a formal approach to addressing more significant harm in schools. Unlike traditional disciplinary methods that focus on rule violations, these conferences focus on who has been harmed and how that harm can be repaired.

During a Restorative Conference:

• Students reflect on the impact of their actions

• They take responsibility for the harm caused

• They collaborate on a plan to repair relationships and restore trust

This approach supports the development of social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. Restorative Conferences transform discipline from punitive to educational, creating opportunities for growth, accountability, and stronger school communities.

Linking Restorative Practices to SEL Competencies

Restorative Practices directly support the five key SEL competencies:

1. Self-Awareness: Students reflect on their emotions, values, and actions in circles, chats, and conferences.

2. Self-Management: RP routines encourage self-regulation, problem-solving, and responsible behavior.

3. Social Awareness: Students learn empathy, perspective-taking, and appreciation for diversity.

4. Relationship Skills: RP emphasizes communication, active listening, and collaboration.

5. Responsible Decision-Making: Students consider the impact of their choices and take accountability for their actions.

By embedding SEL into daily practices, schools ensure that students are not only learning these skills in theory but also practicing them in meaningful, real-world contexts.

Creating a Thriving School Culture

When all three tiers of Restorative Practices are implemented effectively, schools experience a transformative cultural shift. Students and staff feel safe, supported, and empowered. Conflicts are addressed constructively, relationships are strengthened, and students develop the social-emotional skills they need to thrive academically and personally.

Restorative Practices create classrooms and schools where learning, connection, and personal growth are central—and where every member of the community has the tools to succeed.

Implementing Restorative Practices in Your School

Implementing Restorative Practices requires intentionality, ongoing practice, and support. At P2RC, we provide:

• Onsite and virtual coaching tailored to your school or district

• Professional development for educators, administrators, and staff

• Consultation and planning for leadership teams

• Modeling, observation, and feedback on circles, chats, and conferences

We work closely with each school community to create sustainable, effective Restorative Practices implementation plans that strengthen relationships, improve school climate, and embed SEL across the school day.

Take the Next Step

Investing in Restorative Practices is investing in a school culture where every student can belong, grow, and thrive. Contact P2RC today to learn how our training, coaching, and consulting services can help your school implement Restorative Practices effectively and sustainably.