This Thursday’s sources focused on research and conversations centering around restorative justice. Winn’s piece suggests that restorative justice can be used in classrooms, preferably english classrooms. Winn says that we can go about this if teachers put circle discussions to use which allows students to discuss, debate, and relate about prejudices that are occurring. This will create students who are educated, active and passionate about this topic in their community. In the writing, “Culturally Relevant Pedagogy 2.0,” Ladson-Billings re-visits her culturally relevant pedagogy and that it needs to be exposed more. It is a culturally sustaining way of learning that allows one to have different understandings of culture but also demands questions and the importance of justice and equity. Leah Buechly discussed how the engineering industry is mostly dominated by white or asian men, rich men. This leaves little to no room for the ideas and work of men of color, and absolutely no room for women in this industry. In the WNYCStudios podcast, “Can Restorative Justice Save the Internet,” they discuss the concept of restorative justice and how it can be utilized on the internet on websites such as Redditt and in prison systems. They argue that restorative justice could be useful and establish change.
Being introduced to these sources really made me understand and have hope for restorative justice. The more we accept and initiate hope and positivity and understanding the more positive change we will get within communities. Not every person is the same. Not everyone experiences the same things in life and that is OK. Restorative justice should be implemented so much more in our world. It is most definitely something that I will practice in the future with my children in the classroom as a teacher.
What are your thoughts on restorative justice? Is 1st grade too early to implement it in the classroom. Why or why not?
Natalie's Blog 
Hi Natalie!
I am a big fan of restorative justice and its implementation into classrooms. I would say that 1st grade is not too early to be implementing it. Obviously, it would need to be adjusted so that it is appropriate and relevant. It is never too early to instill positive, restorative change in students. Honestly, I would say that the earlier we are able to start implementing restorative justice, the better. Students form tendencies and mindsets very quickly and so if we are able to implement some of the teachings of restorative justice at an early age, they will be better equipped for education in their later years.
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