How Can I Effectively Integrate Restorative Circles Into My Literacy Block To Support Students' Emotional Regulation And Empathy Development, Particularly For Students Who Struggle With Impulse Control And May Dominate The Conversation, While Also Ensuring That All Students Have An Opportunity To Engage With The Text And Meet The Reading Comprehension Standards?

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Integrating restorative circles into your literacy block can be a powerful way to support both emotional and academic growth. Here's a structured approach to achieve this:

  1. Introduction and Preparation:

    • Educate Students: Begin by explaining the purpose and structure of restorative circles, emphasizing empathy, respect, and community building.
    • Role-Playing: Use role-playing to demonstrate respectful participation and active listening.

  2. Structured Circle Sessions:

    • Frequency and Duration: Start with short, 10-15 minute sessions a few times a week.
    • Check-In: Begin each session with a brief check-in where students share feelings or gratitude to set a positive tone.
    • Discussion: Use open-ended questions related to the text, focusing on character emotions or problem-solving, to connect emotional learning with academic content.
    • Check-Out: End with reflections on the discussion or personal commitments to action.

  3. Managing Participation:

    • Talking Piece: Implement a talking piece to ensure each student speaks in turn, encouraging quieter students and managing dominators.
    • Roles: Assign roles like leader or summarizer to channel energy positively.

  4. Emotional Regulation and Empathy:

    • Mindfulness Exercises: Begin sessions with breathing or mindfulness to help students focus.
    • Expression Encouragement: Allow students to share feelings about the text or personal experiences to foster empathy.

  5. Differentiation and Support:

    • Structured Support: Provide visual reminders and individual supports for students with impulse control issues.
    • Quiet Students: Offer one-on-one check-ins or pair with buddies to encourage participation.

  6. Reflection and Adjustment:

    • Post-Circle Reflection: Discuss what worked and adjust strategies as needed.
    • Assessment: Track participation and engagement to ensure all students meet goals.

  7. Academic Connection:

    • Comprehension Focus: Ensure discussions tie into reading comprehension, using insights to inform instruction.

  8. Handling Challenges:

    • Refocusing: Use reminders of rules or refocus discussions back to the text as needed.

By creating a respectful, structured environment, you can support students' emotional and academic development, ensuring all participate and meet standards. Be patient, flexible, and open to adjusting strategies to best serve your students.