To grow restorative practices in our schools, it's important for staff to  be in circle with one another - to build relationships but also because being restorative is a practice and a way of being. I wrote this December circle so you can circle up with colleagues. 

I love Brené Brown's idea of a two-word check in. Dr. Brown writes, "We start every meeting with a two-word check-in. We take turns sharing two words that describe how we're feeling that day. We all have the human need to see others and to be seen. The realness connects us. Today I'm feeling overwhelmed and focused. You?" I find that two words can capture so much more about how I am than one word.

This EdWeek article resonated deeply because many articles about teen mental health attribute most of teen's anxiety to the pandemic, which is only part of what I hear from young people.

Some of the best circles are also the most simple like this week's circle. You can use a check in question (e.g., which weather are you today) and have students share a low and a high from their day or week.

Leslie Gant, Mark Lonergan, and Jess Madden-Fuoco will be teaching the Observation and Feedback course again this winter. Learn to be a stronger evaluator, coach, and colleague by learning ways to support teachers' growth through observing and giving feedback. 1 ALC or 15 PDPs. The winter dates: January 19, February 2, and February 16. Sign up here. Please share the flyer with colleagues who might be interested.