Mediation and Restoration in Circle Time

Mediation and Restoration in Circle Time will help increase participation and help develop emotional literacy. Evidence suggests that the processes of Restorative Justice and Mediation can:

• Improve the school climate by increasing understanding of rules
• Build a community capacity to respond to problem behaviour
• Increase the skills and self-awareness of all participants.

In this authoritative publication Teresa Bliss applies her experience and expertise to the processes of Circle Time. The book not only provides guidance on organising Circle Time sessions, but also looks at the Every Child Matters agenda. It highlights how Restorative Justice and Mediation can be advantageous both for increasing children's participation and for developing their emotional literacy. It considers the specific skills of the two processes and explains how these can be taught in Circle Time.

Skills include:

• Empathy
• Listening
• Cooperation
• Paraphrasing
• Problem solving.

Table of Contents

Foreword

Introduction

Part One – Circle Time

• Chapter 1 The Value of Circle Time
• Chapter 2 Developmental Aspects of Circle Time
• Chapter 3 When Things Go Wrong with Circle Time
• Chapter 4 Planning for Circle Time
• Chapter 5 Peer Support Schemes

Part Two – Themes for Developing Peer Support

• Introduction
• Intrapersonal Skills
• Feelings
• Affirmation
• Interpersonal Skills
• Feelings
• Memory
• Communication
• Listening
• Building Relationships and Group Co-operation
• Empathy
• Feeling Safe and Friendship
• Conflict

Part Three – Becoming a Peer Supporter

• Introduction
• Peer Support Schemes
• Principles of Restorative Practices and Mediation
• Considerations for School Leadership Teams
• Resources
• Recruitment and Training
• Confidentiality and Boundaries
• Advertising
• Maintaining the Peer Support Scheme
• Training for Mediation
• Training for Restorative Practices
• Peer Mediation Training KS2
• Peer Mediation Training Session KS2
• Restorative Practice Training KS3
• RP Training Session KS3

Bibliography