--- title: Restorative Practice Circles in the Classroom description: Restorative practice circles in the classroom incorporate some of the benefits of Talking Circles, in a way that promotes a holistic form of justice image: https://www.ictinc.ca/hubfs/Blog/kids-school-circletime-unsplash_2000w.jpg --- [Skip to the main content.](https://www.ictinc.ca/blog/restorative-practice-circles-in-the-classroom#main-content) [![ICT_Logo_short_550px-C](https://www.ictinc.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/--Official%20Website%20Images/Logos/ICT_Logo_short_550px-C.png?width=550&height=181&name=ICT_Logo_short_550px-C.png "ICT_Logo_short_550px-C")](https://www.ictinc.ca/) [![ICT_Logo_short_550px-C](https://www.ictinc.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/--Official%20Website%20Images/Logos/ICT_Logo_short_550px-C.png?width=550&height=181&name=ICT_Logo_short_550px-C.png "ICT_Logo_short_550px-C")](https://www.ictinc.ca/) - [ Training ](https://www.ictinc.ca/training) - [ Foundational ](https://www.ictinc.ca/foundational-training) - [ Indigenous Awareness ](https://www.ictinc.ca/training/indigenous-awareness) - [ Indigenous Relations ](https://www.ictinc.ca/training/indigenous-relations) - [ Working Effectively with Indigenous Peoples® ](https://www.ictinc.ca/training/working-effectively-with-indigenous-peoples) - [ Advanced ](https://www.ictinc.ca/advanced-training) - [ Indigenous Consultation & Engagement: Introductory ](https://www.ictinc.ca/training/indigenous-consultation-engagement-introductory) - [ Indigenous Consultation & Engagement: Comprehensive ](https://www.ictinc.ca/training/indigenous-consultation-and-engagement) - [ Indigenous Employment: Recruitment & Retention ](https://www.ictinc.ca/training/indigenous-employment-recruitment-and-retention) - [ Indigenous Procurement ](https://www.ictinc.ca/training/indigenous-procurement) - [ How to Negotiate with Indigenous Peoples ](https://www.ictinc.ca/training/how-to-negotiate-with-indigenous-peoples) - [ Local Governments ](https://www.ictinc.ca/local-governments-training) - [ Indigenous Relations for Local Governments ](https://www.ictinc.ca/training/indigenous-relations-for-local-governments) - [ Working Effectively with Indigenous Peoples® for Local Governments ](https://www.ictinc.ca/training/working-effectively-with-indigenous-peoples-for-local-governments) - [ Indigenous Relations Academy ](https://learn.indigenousrelationsacademy.com/) - [ Specialty Services ](https://www.ictinc.ca/specialty-services) - [ Speaking Engagements ](https://www.ictinc.ca/speaking-engagements) - [ Resources ](https://www.ictinc.ca/resources) - [ Working Effectively with Indigenous Peoples® Blog ](https://www.ictinc.ca/blog) - [ Books for Sale ](https://21things.ca/) - [ Free eBooks ](https://www.ictinc.ca/free-ebooks) - [ Reconciliation Pledges ](https://www.ictinc.ca/reconciliation-pledges) - [ Indigenous Relations Newsletter ](https://www.ictinc.ca/indigenous-relations-newsletter) - [ Indigenous Awareness Training Program Checklist ](https://www.ictinc.ca/what-should-you-look-for-in-an-indigenous-awareness-training-program) - [ Funding Opportunities ](https://www.ictinc.ca/funding-opportunities) - [ About ](https://www.ictinc.ca/about-us) - [ Company History ](https://www.ictinc.ca/the-history-of-indigenous-corporate-training-inc) - [ About Us ](https://www.ictinc.ca/about-us) - [ Testimonials ](https://www.ictinc.ca/testimonials) - [ Press ](https://www.ictinc.ca/press) - [ FAQ ](https://www.ictinc.ca/faq) - [ Career Opportunities ](https://www.ictinc.ca/career-opportunities) - [ Contact ](https://www.ictinc.ca/contact-a-training-advisor) Toggle Menu Toggle Menu - [ Training ](https://www.ictinc.ca/training) - [ Foundational ](https://www.ictinc.ca/foundational-training) - [ Indigenous Awareness ](https://www.ictinc.ca/training/indigenous-awareness) - [ Indigenous Relations ](https://www.ictinc.ca/training/indigenous-relations) - [ Working Effectively with Indigenous Peoples® ](https://www.ictinc.ca/training/working-effectively-with-indigenous-peoples) - [ Advanced ](https://www.ictinc.ca/advanced-training) - [ Indigenous Consultation & Engagement: Introductory ](https://www.ictinc.ca/training/indigenous-consultation-engagement-introductory) - [ Indigenous Consultation & Engagement: Comprehensive ](https://www.ictinc.ca/training/indigenous-consultation-and-engagement) - [ Indigenous Employment: Recruitment & Retention ](https://www.ictinc.ca/training/indigenous-employment-recruitment-and-retention) - [ Indigenous Procurement ](https://www.ictinc.ca/training/indigenous-procurement) - [ How to Negotiate with Indigenous Peoples ](https://www.ictinc.ca/training/how-to-negotiate-with-indigenous-peoples) - [ Local Governments ](https://www.ictinc.ca/local-governments-training) - [ Indigenous Relations for Local Governments ](https://www.ictinc.ca/training/indigenous-relations-for-local-governments) - [ Working Effectively with Indigenous Peoples® for Local Governments ](https://www.ictinc.ca/training/working-effectively-with-indigenous-peoples-for-local-governments) - [ Indigenous Relations Academy ](https://learn.indigenousrelationsacademy.com/) - [ Specialty Services ](https://www.ictinc.ca/specialty-services) - [ Speaking Engagements ](https://www.ictinc.ca/speaking-engagements) - [ Resources ](https://www.ictinc.ca/resources) - [ Working Effectively with Indigenous Peoples® Blog ](https://www.ictinc.ca/blog) - [ Books for Sale ](https://21things.ca/) - [ Free eBooks ](https://www.ictinc.ca/free-ebooks) - [ Reconciliation Pledges ](https://www.ictinc.ca/reconciliation-pledges) - [ Indigenous Relations Newsletter ](https://www.ictinc.ca/indigenous-relations-newsletter) - [ Indigenous Awareness Training Program Checklist ](https://www.ictinc.ca/what-should-you-look-for-in-an-indigenous-awareness-training-program) - [ Funding Opportunities ](https://www.ictinc.ca/funding-opportunities) - [ About ](https://www.ictinc.ca/about-us) - [ Company History ](https://www.ictinc.ca/the-history-of-indigenous-corporate-training-inc) - [ About Us ](https://www.ictinc.ca/about-us) - [ Testimonials ](https://www.ictinc.ca/testimonials) - [ Press ](https://www.ictinc.ca/press) - [ FAQ ](https://www.ictinc.ca/faq) - [ Career Opportunities ](https://www.ictinc.ca/career-opportunities) - [ Contact ](https://www.ictinc.ca/contact-a-training-advisor) [Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/bobjoseph.21things) [Linkedin ](https://www.linkedin.com/company/indigenous-corporate-training-inc/) [X ](https://twitter.com/wewap) 2 min read # Restorative Practice Circles in the Classroom [ Admin ](https://www.ictinc.ca/blog/author/admin) November 12, 2012 [Contributors](https://www.ictinc.ca/blog/topic/contributors) [Education](https://www.ictinc.ca/blog/topic/education) [Arts and Culture](https://www.ictinc.ca/blog/topic/arts-and-culture) [Youth](https://www.ictinc.ca/blog/topic/youth) ![Restorative Practice Circles in the Classroom](https://www.ictinc.ca/hubfs/Blog/kids-school-circletime-unsplash_2000w.jpg) **Restorative Practice Circles** are based upon the First Nations tradition of Talking Circles. First Nations, Metis & Inuit cultures are built upon [oral traditions](https://www.ictinc.ca/blog/11-things-you-should-know-about-aboriginal-oral-traditions), therefore **Talking Circles** have been important ways to maintain and pass down important cultural teachings. Restorative Practice is a form of justice, where in the classroom, it could be comprised of the person or people who hurt someone else, the person or people who were hurt, and anyone else involved in the incident. Rather than merely punish the wrongdoer, or engage in assertive discipline, everyone has a turn to speak, and it facilitates a deeper understanding of the hurt or incident, what happened, and greater satisfaction among all people in the circle. It incorporates some of the benefits of Talking Circles, in a way that promotes a holistic form of justice. **Restorative Circles provide many benefits including:** - Fostering turn taking - Increasing respect - Creating a classroom community - Sending positive messages relating to Character, Culture, and Community - Allows for everyone to be heard and honoured The Restorative Circles also work on much deeper levels as well. They provide excellent strategies for incorporating Cognitive, Developmental, Social, and Emotional benefits into the classroom including: - The ability to tailor the circle to the specific Developmental stages and needs of the students - The ability to be heard is often very therapeutic as well, which can increase student learning and involvement - Building strong working alliances in the classroom - Building reflection, and metacognition skills into the classroom structure - Building social relationships by increasing participation and interactions among students and between students that follow students outside of the classroom - Giving Students a greater ‘voice’ The use of Restorative Circles also serves as a great organizational tool or framework that can help Educators with decision-making, lesson planning, accommodation of individual learning differences and embedding assessment strategies into the curriculum. **Considerations for Restorative Practice Circles: ** Teachers need to be cognizant of the skills necessary to effectively manage Restorative Practice Circles. These circles have the ability to be very therapeutic in nature as well, and Educators need to know effective ways of managing the content being shared. Such skills may include, the ability to provide explicit feedback, positive reinforcement, effective acknowledgement of all participants, ensuring consistency, good modelling skills, positive feedback, and allowing for adequate ‘Pause Times’ between responses and sharing. The use of Talking Circles in education provides many benefits to students, not just academically, but also socially and emotionally. But let us not dismiss the importance of Restorative Circles as well as important ways to honour the Cultures of our First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples in our Schools and Communities. By Deborah McCallum - If you enjoyed this article by Deborah McCallum on restorative practice circles in the classroom, you might also enjoy this article on i[nclusive classrooms](https://www.ictinc.ca/17-ways-to-promote-culturally-aware-classrooms) by Deborah. *Featured photo: Unsplash* [![Learn more about Indigenous Awareness](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/374848/a863b2fa-4bf8-4a6e-a5e6-a637b0ba47d9.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/374848/a863b2fa-4bf8-4a6e-a5e6-a637b0ba47d9) ###### Share: [** ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ictinc.ca%2Fblog%2Frestorative-practice-circles-in-the-classroom) [** ](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ictinc.ca%2Fblog%2Frestorative-practice-circles-in-the-classroom&title=Restorative+Practice+Circles+in+the+Classroom&summary==Restorative+practice+circles+in+the+classroom+incorporate+some+of+the+benefits+of+Talking+Circles%2C+in+a+way+that+promotes+a+holistic+form+of+justice) This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached. - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. [![Dispelling Common Myths About Indigenous Peoples: 9 Myths & Realities](https://www.ictinc.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/eBooks/Dispelling-Common-Myths-About-Indigenous-Peoples_600w.jpg?width=600&height=900&name=Dispelling-Common-Myths-About-Indigenous-Peoples_600w.jpg)](https://www.ictinc.ca/dispelling-common-myths-about-indigenous-peoples) [![Download the free eBook](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/374848/28861da8-2e39-4685-9166-af3a5cdd6f0f.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/374848/28861da8-2e39-4685-9166-af3a5cdd6f0f) [![First Nation Talking Stick Protocol](https://www.ictinc.ca/hubfs/Blog/Joseph_talking_stick_2000w.jpg) ](https://www.ictinc.ca/blog/first-nation-talking-stick-protocol) #### [First Nation Talking Stick Protocol](https://www.ictinc.ca/blog/first-nation-talking-stick-protocol) January 20, 2015 The Talking stick, used in many Indigenous cultures, is an ancient and powerful “communication tool” that ensures a code of conduct of respect during... [Read More](https://www.ictinc.ca/blog/first-nation-talking-stick-protocol) [![First Nation Humour](https://www.ictinc.ca/hubfs/Blog/laugh-neon-sign-unsplash_2000w.jpg) ](https://www.ictinc.ca/blog/first-nation-humour) #### [First Nation Humour](https://www.ictinc.ca/blog/first-nation-humour) November 14, 2014 When a people can laugh at themselves and laugh at others and hold all aspects of life together without letting anybody drive them to extremes, then... [Read More](https://www.ictinc.ca/blog/first-nation-humour) [![First Nations Cultural Differences](https://www.ictinc.ca/hubfs/Blog/Little_Big_Horn_Plaque.jpg) ](https://www.ictinc.ca/blog/first-nations-cultural-differences) #### [First Nations Cultural Differences](https://www.ictinc.ca/blog/first-nations-cultural-differences) June 09, 2014 Understanding First Nations Cultural Differences is key to Working Effectively with Indigenous Peoples®. In fact, it should be rule number one. It... [Read More](https://www.ictinc.ca/blog/first-nations-cultural-differences) 2401 Mount Newton Cross Road Saanichton, BC V8M 1T8 Indigenous Corporate Training, Inc. is located on the unceded and traditional territory of the SȾÁUTW̱ (Tsawout) First Nation, whose relationship to this land continues to this day. We recognize and respect the diverse histories of the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit who have lived on and cared for these lands since time immemorial. Our goal is to create positive and meaningful relationships that contribute to the preservation of Indigenous cultures, the advancement of Indigenous rights, and help to change the world for the better for everyone. * ![CCIB](https://www.ictinc.ca/hubfs/CCIB_B%26W.png) * [* ![PAIR](https://www.ictinc.ca/hubfs/PAIR_B%26W.png) * ](https://www.ictinc.ca/pair-certification-program) ![We're a proud Living Wage employer](https://www.ictinc.ca/hubfs/--Official%20Website%20Images/Page%20Images/LivingWage-2024-600px.png) [![Buy Indigenous to Buy Canadian - CCIB](https://www.ictinc.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/--Official%20Website%20Images/Page%20Images/CCIB-Buy-Indigenous-Badge_700px.png?width=700&height=704&name=CCIB-Buy-Indigenous-Badge_700px.png)](https://www.ictinc.ca/blog/the-role-of-indigenous-procurement-in-economic-reconciliation)   [![LogoStackedWhite](https://www.ictinc.ca/hubfs/Jane%20Images/LogoStackedWhite.png) ](https://www.ictinc.ca/homepage-old) - [Terms of Use](https://www.ictinc.ca/terms-of-use) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.ictinc.ca/privacy-policy) - [Artificial Intelligence Policy](https://www.ictinc.ca/artifical-intelligence-policy) © 2026 Indigenous Corporate Training Inc. [Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/indigenouscorporatetraining)[Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/indigenouscorporatetraining/)[Linkedin ](https://www.linkedin.com/company/indigenous-corporate-training-inc/) Return to top ![](https://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/viewthroughconversion/1003610425/?value=0&guid=ON&script=0) ![](https://px.ads.linkedin.com/collect/?pid=7874204&fmt=gif) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Admin", "url" : "https://www.ictinc.ca/blog/author/admin" }, "dateModified" : "2024-06-12T06:15:27.516Z", "datePublished" : "2012-11-12T08:35:00.000Z", "headline" : "Restorative Practice Circles in the Classroom", "image" : [ "https://www.ictinc.ca/hubfs/Blog/kids-school-circletime-unsplash_2000w.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.ictinc.ca/blog/restorative-practice-circles-in-the-classroom", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.ictinc.ca/hubfs/--Official%20Website%20Images/Logos/ICT_Logo_2022.png" }, "name" : "Indigenous Corporate Training Inc." } } ```