The Little Book of Restorative Teaching Tools: Games, Activities, and Simulations for Understanding Restorative Justice Practices

by Lindsey Pointer, Kathleen McGoey, Haley Farrar

Engaging Practices for Integrating Restorative Justice Principles in Group Settings

As restorative practices spread around the world, scholars and practitioners have begun to ask very important questions: How should restorative practices be taught? What educational structures and methods are in alignment with restorative values and principles? This book introduces games as an effective and dynamic tool to teach restorative justice practices. Grounded in an understanding of restorative pedagogy and experiential learning strategies, the games included in this book provide a way for learners to experience and more deeply understand restorative practices while building relationships and improving skills. Chapters cover topics such as:

Introduction to restorative pedagogy and experiential learning
How a restorative learning community can be built and strengthened through the use of games and activities
How to design games and activities for teaching restorative practices
How to design, deliver, and debrief an activity-based learning experience
In-depth instructions for games and activities for building relationships, understanding the restorative philosophy, and developing skills in practice

An ideal handbook for educators, restorative justice program directors and trainers, consultants, community group leaders, and anyone else whose work draws people together to resolve disagreements or address harm, this book will serve as a catalyst for greater creativity and philosophical alignment in the teaching of restorative practices across contexts.

Genres: Education, Teaching, Nonfiction

136 pages, Paperback

Published March 10, 2020

Reviews

[Ayanna Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for any educator not just interested in restorative justice, but building community in a classroom or school. Activities are easy to understand and facilitate, and are adjustable depending on age or group.

[LenaMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love "The Little Books" and always find them useful and relevant to work I am engaged in. As I begin work to implement more of a restorative approach to school issues, this 'little book' was extremely helpful. I am going to keep a copy at my desk and encourage others to read this as well. Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Mar · Rating 3 out of 5]

A review of theory, which I think the other Little books do better (e.g. Vaandering and Evans Little book of Restorative Justice in Education) and then some ideas on games based activities to encourage the development of relationships.

[Deborah Weinstein · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciate the concept of restorative justice and the application to our modern classrooms. However, this book is very repetitive. I suggest reading a chapter and then just flipping to the last chapter for the suggestions of how to apply in your classroom.

[Kiki]

Great tools, now how to use them at work...

[Ryan Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short and powerful primer to RJ and how to begin implementing it in schools.

[Denice · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book would be a helpful book for someone who is new to Restorative justice/practices and needs some concrete ideas for incorporating different learning activities. Seasoned teachers would be able to use their expertise to adapt learning activities aligned with Restorative Practices Philosophy. This book is a wonderful starting point.

[Dora Okeyo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book offers insightful games, conversation starters and ice-breakers for any group that needs to find a middle ground. I was interested in reading it because I work closely with communities and working to resolve differences that arise is key for me. I got more than I expected and now I have some insight on restorative justice insights and practice.
Thanks Netgalley for the eARC.