Respect Reset: Restorative Transformation for Classrooms in One Meeting
Respect Reset: Restorative Transformation for Classrooms in One Meeting
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It’s possible to reset respect in a class and change the trajectory of the entire school year. You can do it in one meeting. I know because I have done it, many times, at my middle school in Brooklyn. It was my job to restore kindness, connection, belonging, and community when it seemed impossible. It was always possible. You just need to invite all the stakeholders to a meeting that I call a Respect Reset and follow a proven formula. Here is how you do it:
- INTRODUCTION: State the purpose of the meeting, your desire to help, and that you will facilitate a collective discussion about how to change the classroom climate so everyone can experience more success and satisfaction.
- CIRCULAR SEATING: Start the class by moving all the chairs into a circle so that everyone can see each other.
- GROUP AGREEMENTS: Propose a set of agreements and ask if they work for everyone. If they don’t, discuss what to add or subtract to the agreements. This democratic discussion is a major positive step in restoring respect.
- PERSONAL VALUE SHARE: Do a “Go around” where each person in the circle shares a value that is important to them. By doing this, everyone will be seen and heard.
- ICEBREAKER TO BUILD FUN & HOPE: Lead a fun experiential game to build hope that students can have a different classroom experience.
- ICEBREAKER REFLECTION: Lead a discussion about what values were demonstrated during the game and how this can be applied to improving the class culture.
-
CLASS CLIMATE ASSESSMENT: Pose two questions to the class for the next “Go around.”
- What is going well in the class?
- What needs to be improved?
- BRAINSTORMING ABOUT IMPROVEMENTS: Facilitate a discussion about how to improve the culture in the class. Paraphrase every idea so that everyone’s voice is validated.
- CONSENSUS ON NEXT STEPS Based on what you hear from the class, offer suggestions for actions to take and seek consensus from the group about what they want to do.
- CLOSING: Lead a closing “Go around” where everyone shares something they liked or appreciated.
The “Respect Reset” works. Why?
- Student knowledge and experience are validated.
- Students are actively participating.
- Questions guide deep reflection.
- Connection is created.
- Hope is generated.
- Students feel a sense of agency for improving their class culture.
Reset Respect sets a new trajectory for classroom culture and success. By implementing the steps outlined in the book, educators can restore hope, positivity, and connection in their classrooms. Whether you are a seasoned educator or just starting out, the Reset Respect formula provides a blueprint for bringing respect back to your community so that everyone can succeed and flourish.
Respect Reset: Restorative Transformation for Classrooms in One Meeting
- Description
It’s possible to reset respect in a class and change the trajectory of the entire school year. You can do it in one meeting. I know because I have done it, many times, at my middle school in Brooklyn. It was my job to restore kindness, connection, belonging, and community when it seemed impossible. It was always possible. You just need to invite all the stakeholders to a meeting that I call a Respect Reset and follow a proven formula. Here is how you do it:
- INTRODUCTION: State the purpose of the meeting, your desire to help, and that you will facilitate a collective discussion about how to change the classroom climate so everyone can experience more success and satisfaction.
- CIRCULAR SEATING: Start the class by moving all the chairs into a circle so that everyone can see each other.
- GROUP AGREEMENTS: Propose a set of agreements and ask if they work for everyone. If they don’t, discuss what to add or subtract to the agreements. This democratic discussion is a major positive step in restoring respect.
- PERSONAL VALUE SHARE: Do a “Go around” where each person in the circle shares a value that is important to them. By doing this, everyone will be seen and heard.
- ICEBREAKER TO BUILD FUN & HOPE: Lead a fun experiential game to build hope that students can have a different classroom experience.
- ICEBREAKER REFLECTION: Lead a discussion about what values were demonstrated during the game and how this can be applied to improving the class culture.
-
CLASS CLIMATE ASSESSMENT: Pose two questions to the class for the next “Go around.”
- What is going well in the class?
- What needs to be improved?
- BRAINSTORMING ABOUT IMPROVEMENTS: Facilitate a discussion about how to improve the culture in the class. Paraphrase every idea so that everyone’s voice is validated.
- CONSENSUS ON NEXT STEPS Based on what you hear from the class, offer suggestions for actions to take and seek consensus from the group about what they want to do.
- CLOSING: Lead a closing “Go around” where everyone shares something they liked or appreciated.
The “Respect Reset” works. Why?
- Student knowledge and experience are validated.
- Students are actively participating.
- Questions guide deep reflection.
- Connection is created.
- Hope is generated.
- Students feel a sense of agency for improving their class culture.
Reset Respect sets a new trajectory for classroom culture and success. By implementing the steps outlined in the book, educators can restore hope, positivity, and connection in their classrooms. Whether you are a seasoned educator or just starting out, the Reset Respect formula provides a blueprint for bringing respect back to your community so that everyone can succeed and flourish.