Restorative Practices: Free Classroom Resources

What are restorative practices in schools? Restorative practices are strategies that build strong relationships and repair harm when conflict happens. Instead of removing a student through suspension, teachers use tools like circles, restorative conversations, and conflict resolution to address behavior and rebuild trust. The goal is to keep students in class, learning, and connected to their school community.

Do restorative practices actually reduce suspensions? Yes. A University of Chicago Education Lab study of Chicago public high schools found that restorative practices reduced out-of-school suspensions by 18% and in-school arrests by 35%, while students reported feeling safer at school. The CDC also recognizes restorative practices as an evidence-based way to build healthy school communities.

What grade levels do these restorative practices resources cover? This collection supports educators across all grade levels, from PreK through 12th grade, plus higher education and adult education. You'll find age-appropriate circles and lessons for elementary students as well as conflict-resolution and community-building tools for middle and high school classrooms.

Are these restorative practices resources free? Yes. Every lesson plan, webinar, and handout in this collection is free to download with a Share My Lesson account, which is also free. The materials are created or vetted by educators and trusted partners.

How do restorative practices connect to social and emotional learning (SEL)? Restorative practices and SEL work hand in hand. Both help students build self-awareness, empathy, and the skills to resolve conflict peacefully. Many resources in this collection blend the two, using circles and restorative conversations to strengthen relationships and emotional wellbeing.

How can a teacher start using restorative practices tomorrow? Start small. Try a brief community-building circle at the start of class, or replace one punitive response with a restorative conversation that asks what happened and how to make it right. The webinars and handouts in this collection walk you through practical, low-prep ways to begin, no schoolwide rollout required.