SEL and Restorative/Holistic Discipline Notebook

So this is my prize possession as an administrator and something I wish I had spent the time to compile as a teacher-- my SEL/Restorative Discipline Notebook.  Using the CASEL framework as a starting point I have taken an assortment of resources and put them into color-coded sections to be able to utilize in the moment when working with students around prosocial behaviors or restorative practices.  Below is a brief explanation of what I keep in my binder to give you an idea of what works well for me.  I am a big believer in 'making it your own' so this is really intended to give you a starting place to inspire you to create something fantastic that aligns with your school's SEL/PBIS work and is supportive of your students.

Binder Sections:

• Copies of Investigation Note Taking and Investigative Protocol 
• Pink Tabs (Unrelated to CASEL): Community Resources, Apology Note Templates, Think Sheet Templates, School PBIS Expectation Lessons, and Community Service Menu copies.
• Orange Tabs (color-coded to correspond to CASEL): Self-Awareness Resources and Lessons, Self-Management Resources and Lessons 
• Green Tabs (color-coded to correspond to CASEL): Social Awareness Resources and Lessons, Relationship Skills Resources and Lessons
• Yellow Tabs (color-coded to correspond to CASEL): Responsible Decision-Making Resources and Lessons

Some of the Resources I Used to Compile the Binder Content:

• School PBIS Lessons and Materials
• Kelso's and KC's Choice Wheel Materials
• Second Step (District Adopted Curriculum) Materials
• Kids Health Online Articles
• "What To Do When..." Series by Dawn Heubner
• Don't Suspend Me! An Alternative Discipline Toolkit by J. Hannigan

Break Cards

Break cards can be a helpful tool for students who have big reactions or escalations due to anxiety or work avoidance.  It can give them an appropriate "out" before a big blow up and allow them a reflective or cool down moment before jumping into their work.  For some students the break can be enough to reset them and get them ready for the task at hand, but often times break cards work best with additional interventions such as modifications to length, complexity, or intensity of classwork.

Behavior Contracts

Behavior contracts can be one way to address repeated, undesired behaviors in students.  Below is a simple behavior contract format that can help students to recognize what prosocial behaviors they are working towards and which behaviors they are working to eliminate.  I use this contract template during behavior conferences with the child, teacher, parents, and admin.  It is helpful to bring all parties on board and make sure everyone is clear, consistent, and in agreement on what is expected from the student.  View a full-size version of this behavior contract here.

Community Service Menu

So this community service menu is something new I've been playing around with as a response to smaller disciplinary incidents.  It is something that I heard about used at the middle and high school level and I wondered if it could be translated to an elementary school setting.  I've used it only on rare occasion in all honesty, but it has really brought out the creativity of students who have offered to give back to the school by blowing up recess balls, helping re-teach younger students school rules, etc.  Definitely something that I am looking forward to adjusting and making more meaningful as time goes on.  

Don't Suspend Me! An Alternative Discipline Toolkit

Over the Winter break I took the time to order and read through a book that had been recommended to me called, Don't Suspend Me! An Alternative Discipline Toolkit.  This is one that I would definitely recommend as well.  It is a short read, but is filled with some great tools and templates for addressing discipline matters.  The tools focus on three key areas: Restorative, Reflective, and Instructional practices to support students in learning from their behaviors.  These practices, paired with proactive, PBIS-aligned classroom management strategies can be incredibly supportive of students and I am so excited to try some of them out!

Investigative Protocols

When investigating a moderate or significant behavior concern that may warrant more in-depth action, it is important to have a clear protocol that all staff involved in the investigation follow.  This ensures that all are on the same page and if questions arise about the integrity of the investigation it provides clear and consistent information on investigative measures.  Below I would like to share two resources I developed (with input from some fabulous colleagues!) that I have found particularly useful when delving into investigations.  First, a investigation protocol checklist that I used with my Dean of Students a couple of years ago to help us ensure we were approaching investigations similarly.  Second, a investigation and interview template that I use with any investigation that I do.  I keep a stack in my office and use these often when interviewing potential aggressors, witnesses, or victims.