Discipline that Restores: Strategies to Create Respect, Cooperation, and Responsibility in the Classroom

by Roxanne Claassen, Ron Claassen (With)

No education library should be without Discipline That Strategies to Create Respect, Cooperation, and Responsibility in the Classroom, a monumental effort to articulate a reproducible step-by-step process to increase cooperation and mutual respect in schools by coauthors Ron and Roxanne Claassen. Discipline That Restores (DTR) uniquely blends theory, strategies, and best practices of Conflict Resolution Education, Peacemaking, and Restorative Justice and is illustrated with a multitude of case studies to form an effective discipline system. Understanding the core issues of getting students to cooperate has never been so clear and concise. DTR supports the positive behavior of all students and is especially effective with those students who are most resistant to authority by involving them in processes that empower them to be responsible and accountable. DTR transforms discipline into learning experiences that decrease stress, improve effectiveness, and build relationships.

Genres: Teaching, Nonfiction, Education

192 pages, Paperback

First published October 26, 2008

Reviews

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Encouraging young people to be responsible for how they act in society is a gift to them and to the communities in which they will become active participants.”

A truly revolutionary book for any educator, but especially young educators. When the biggest challenge as a new teacher is classroom management, this book offers more than just tips it offers tools and theory to put into practice that work. I’ve done a few of the things mentioned in this book already this year and have found it to be nothing short of profound.

[Dora · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting and encouraging alternative to retributive justice. The thought and years of practice shine through as Ron and Roxanne Claassen take us through this innovative system. What a different world it would be, if this was the normal way of dealing with conflict instead of the absolute alternative.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like this was the final piece to the puzzle of my classroom management since reading Teaching with Love and Logic many years ago.

[Lang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend it for teachers who work in cultures other than their own -- ei. overseas teaching or mixed classrooms -- because there is a chart to follow that creates a consistency for the classroom. I would recommend the read to simply gather ideas to expand upon or follow verbatim. I work in a Buddhist country and these concepts translate very well, so don't get stuck in the author's personal perspective -- the book encourages experimenting and finding the appropriate way to introduce restorative discipline into your classroom setting -- no matter the circumstances. The online pdfs that the author recommends are free to download, or you can create your own based off of them. The material is straight forward and is a quick read. Roxanne's personal examples give a better idea on how to use the steps that are suggested.

[Meredith DeVoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will challenge your thinking about discipline. The book draws a distinct line between Retributive justice and Restorative justice. Retributive justice focuses on the wrong done, and on punishing the wrongdoer or even enacting vengeance. Punishment falls into this category. Restorative justice focuses on the relationship that was broken and on restoring peace between individuals and the community. There are times when both might be necessary. Philosophically the idea has its roots in biblical ideas of Law and Grace; but one need not be a Christian to understand the ethical considerations, which are presented logically and compellingly. It definitely has had an impact on my way of dealing with children in my classroom, and people in my life.

[Mitzi Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Restorative justice principles applied to the classroom would change education as we know it. Are we brave enough to do away with punishment and seek to make relationships right when rules are violated? I'd like to try.

[Joe Brummer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Educator and those who work with kids in the nonprofit setting should read this book!!!!

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great how-to guide on using restorative justice in the classroom.