By Amber Schmidt, School Psychologist and Consultant

September 2025

What if there were one approach that could strengthen relationships, resolve conflict, and build community – whether you’re working with kindergarteners, high schoolers, or adults?

Good news: it exists, and it’s called Restorative Practices.

What Are Restorative Practices?

At its core, Restorative Practices is a social science of relationships. Backed by decades of research, this approach has proven to be effective in schools and communities around the world.

Rather than focusing solely on managing behavior, Restorative Practices helps us:

• Build strong, inclusive communities.
• Repair harm and restore trust when conflict occurs.
• Foster healthy social connections that strengthen school culture and climate.

Simply put, Restorative Practices is about shifting from control to connection.

The Core Premise

The guiding belief is beautifully simple:

Human beings are happier, healthier, and more successful when people do things with them, rather than to them or for them.

Think about the difference:

• Doing something to someone = control or punishment.
• Doing something for someone = rescuing or dependency.
• Doing something with someone = collaboration, agency, and belonging.

This “with” mindset is what makes Restorative Practices powerful across ages, settings, and cultures.

Why Restorative Practices Matter

In today’s schools, students and educators alike are navigating unprecedented levels of stress, disconnection, and competing demands. Restorative Practices provides a framework for:

• Belonging: Creating spaces where every student and adult feels valued.
• Safety: Building psychological safety that allows learners to take risks and grow.
• Learning: Enhancing both academic success and social-emotional development.
  

When relationships are strong, learning is stronger. When trust is restored, communities thrive.

How It Works

Restorative Practices comes alive through eight guiding principles that move theory into action. These principles encourage schools and organizations to:

• Center relationships in all decision-making.
• Use proactive circles to build community before problems arise.
• Respond to conflict in ways that heal, rather than harm.

When lived out, these principles create environments where both students and adults become not only better learners, but also better human beings.

Taking the Next Step

If you’re ready to explore how Restorative Practices can strengthen your classroom, your school, or your entire system, Pathways to Inclusive Education can help.

Let’s work together to build communities where every person feels connected, supported, and empowered.

Reach out today to start your journey toward happier, healthier, and more productive learning communities.