There are always events at school that are outside of our control, whether that is a safety drill, school lockdown, or fire drill. When unprecedented events occur at school where they feel safe, students may experience a strong emotional response. This could be due to personal past experiences, anxiety, or fear.
When multiple students experience emotional trauma at school, it can be helpful to utilize a restorative chat to reset students in the general classroom setting:
What are restorative chats?
Restorative chats foster a culture of empathy and accountability in the classroom, where everyone shares their personal thoughts and feelings. Although they are most known for their benefits in repairing relationships, they can also be used to address a big issue that has impacted the class.
Restorative chats do not require prep or planning; they can be used immediately to address a classroom need.
How do I implement a restorative chat?
A restorative chat is a calming and supportive conversation between an educator and students in the class after a significant event has occurred. If needed, the educator can invite a counselor to participate in the restorative chat and provide another layer of support for the class.
Sit all students in a circle on the carpet or rug, so that everyone can make eye contact. A restorative chat starts by establishing norms that we will all be respectful, kind, and use active listening throughout the chat. Then, each person (who wants to share) will take turns sharing their thoughts, feelings, and perspectives on the traumatic event, without being interrupted.
The teacher or counselor will then collaborate with the students to acknowledge the event that has happened, and guide students with a few reflection questions. Encourage students to pass if they need to. Silence is okay.
See some examples of guiding questions to ask in the circle below:
“What was going through your mind during the event?”
“How has it affected you since?”
“What helped you feel a little safer afterward?”
“What do you wish adults or others understood about how you’re feeling?”
“What would help you feel more safe or supported at school moving forward?”
Wrap up the restorative chat with uplifting and comforting words to students. For example:
“It takes courage to speak openly and honestly in our circle.”
“Thank you for your willingness to share your thoughts and feelings.”
“I appreciate your vulnerability and honesty today.”
“Our conversations today will help us all learn and grow together.”
If needed or appropriate, students can participate in a calming breathing exercise or positive affirmation. Follow up with any individual students throughout the day or week who need extra support.
How does a restorative chat help my students?
Restorative chats give ALL students a voice in moving forward. They are able to express what they felt in the moment (e.g., fear, confusion, anger) without any judgment. This allows those feelings to pass rather than being bottled up and coming out later. Additionally, it normalizes their emotional reactions. Hearing other peers share similar feelings helps students realize their emotions are valid and common. This ensures that they address their own response so they can work through it. Most importantly, students are a significant part of restoring a sense of safety in the classroom. Trauma often disrupts students’ feelings of safety and security; a restorative chat can help rebuild it through empathy, trust, and understanding.
For more information on responding to challenges in the classroom, please see our help article: Responding to Challenges in the Classroom and Downloadable Guide.