Restorative Practices and Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) share common ground in their focus on creating a positive and supportive school environment. While they may have distinct approaches, both aim to foster a culture of respect, responsibility, and collaboration among students, staff, and the broader school community. Here's how Restorative Practices and PBL align:
1. Focus on Positive Relationships:
• Restorative Practices: Emphasizes repairing harm, accountability, and stakeholder involvement. Promotes positive relationships by addressing conflicts and issues through dialogue.
• PBL: Establishes a positive school climate through strong, positive relationships between students and adults. Encourages collaboration among staff, parents, and students to create a supportive learning community.
2. Social and Emotional Skills Development:
• Restorative Practices: Involves strategies like problem-solving conversations that help students recognize and manage emotions, make responsible decisions, and build positive relationships.
• PBL: Actively nurtures social and emotional skills, offering meaningful opportunities for students to develop empathy, responsibility, and effective decision-making.
3. Proactive Behaviour Management:
• Restorative Practices: Takes a proactive approach to address conflicts and behavioural issues. Focuses on prevention, repairing harm, and rebuilding relationships rather than punitive measures.
• PBL: Utilizes a proactive framework to set clear expectations for behaviour, teach students how to meet these expectations, and consistently reinforce positive behaviours. Aims to minimize incidents of inappropriate behaviour through a positive and supportive environment.
4. Collaborative Approach:
• Restorative Practices: Involves collaboration among school staff, students, and the broader community to establish and maintain a positive school climate.
• PBL: Advocates for collaboration among principals, school leaders, and staff members to create a positive learning environment. Encourages communication, teaching, and modelling of positive behaviours.
5. Community Building:
• Restorative Practices: Seeks to involve the entire school community, including those who have been harmed or caused harm, in addressing misconduct and building a sense of community.
• PBL: Aims to build a positive school community where students feel valued and supported, contributing to a safe and respectful learning environment.
In summary, both Restorative Practices and Positive Behaviour for Learning share common principles such as building positive relationships, developing social and emotional skills, adopting a proactive approach to behaviour management, fostering collaboration, and promoting a sense of community within the school. Combining elements of both approaches can contribute to creating a holistic and supportive educational environment.