RESTORATIVE JUSTICE

What is it?

Restorative justice (RJ) is a program that is based on responsibility, respect, relationship-building and repairing. When a child misbehaves the focus is on mediation and consensus rather than punishment.  The purpose is to create a safe environment through which children take ownership over their actions and are given the opportunity to change things through positive discussions. 

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I first started using RJ in a third grade classroom in Denver, CO four years ago. It positively changed and supported the classroom culture and environment in ways I had never seen before. Students began to trust one another, share, and above all respect each other and their learning.