A professional development session for high school teachers focusing on restorative practices, emotional regulation, and the implementation of proactive care plans. This lesson equips educators with the tools to handle chronic emotional challenges and foster deep connection with students in grades 9-12.
"Think of your most challenging student. Do they fit one of these profiles? The Overwhelmed student is frozen, not lazy. The Mirrorer absorbs hallway stress. The Resister lacks the muscle for hard tasks. Identifying the pattern helps us choose the right restorative tool."
SLIDE 9
Connection Habits
"Connection doesn't have to be a long meeting. It's the '2-minute habit'—talking about their interests for 10 days. It's the threshold greeting. It's sitting at their level instead of looming. These are catalysts that build the trust needed for hard conversations later."
WORKSHOP BLOCK (20 MIN)
FACILITATOR ACTION: Distribute the Proactive Care Plan Template.
"We’re going to pause here to apply this. Using your template, draft a Care Plan for that student you just identified. Focus on their triggers and what helps them regulate. This isn't a behavior contract; it's an agreement for how you both will navigate hard moments."
SLIDE 10
Staying "Okay"
"While we connect, we also maintain boundaries. You are not there to 'fix' their feelings—you are there to hold the space safely. 'I can see you're struggling. I'm here when you're ready for your plan' is a powerful move that keeps you grounded while modeling regulation."
SLIDE 11
Effective Language
"When we say 'You are being disrespectful,' the brain goes into defense. When we say 'I feel frustrated when there is loud talking,' we report our experience. It’s harder to argue with a feeling than a label. Refer to your cheat sheets for more 'I' statement scripts."
Scenario
Slide 12: Marcus
"Look at Marcus. He’s shut down. A punitive response is 'Get to work or you're getting a zero.' A restorative response starts with curiosity. 'Marcus, it sounds like you're feeling stuck. What's the hardest part of the essay right now?' How else might we keep that connection?"
Scenario
Slide 13: Gossip Rift
"With Ava and Chloe, we address the harm. 'Chloe, I'm noticing Ava is really upset. I'm concerned about how this is affecting our class vibe.' We want Chloe to see the human impact of her actions, not just the rule she broke. Use your affective statements here."
SLIDE 14
Building Persistence
"Restorative work is also about helping them do the 'hard thing.' Persistence is a muscle. We support it by chunking tasks, providing scaffolds, and praising the effort of starting. This builds the student's resilience so they don't need to 'erupt' to escape the task."
SLIDE 15
Summary & Next Steps
"Restorative work is slow work. I challenge you to pick just ONE thing from today. Use one 'I' statement. Try the 2-minute habit. Draft that one Care Plan. Small shifts lead to profound changes. Thank you for the incredible work you do every day."
Final Takeaway: Small Shifts, Big Impact
End of Session // Resilient Roots
Resilient Roots Facilitator Script | Developed for 9-12 Educators
