Warm-Up: The Ripple Effect

Objective: To introduce the concept that our words and actions have consequences that spread, like ripples in water.

Instructions:

Facilitator Note: This warm-up is designed for verbal discussion and reflection within the small group.

1. Imagine this: You drop a pebble into a still pond. What happens? (Allow for student responses and guide the discussion)

2. How far do the ripples go? How might this relate to our actions and words?

3. Now, let's connect this to friendships. How might a kind word create positive ripples?

4. How might a hurtful word or action create negative ripples?

5. Thinking about a time when conflict arose, like hurtful comments in a group text or a disagreement at lunch, how did those initial actions create ripples? Who felt those ripples, even if they weren't directly involved?

Discussion Guide: Rebuilding Bonds

Objective: To facilitate a restorative conversation that allows students to understand the impact of their actions, take responsibility, and collaboratively identify steps to repair harm and rebuild trust within their friendship group.

Facilitator Instructions:

• Arrange students in a circle. Emphasize respect, active listening, and speaking from the heart.
• Explain that the purpose is to understand what happened, how everyone was affected, and what needs to happen to make things right.
• Go through each question, allowing each student who wishes to speak a turn. Encourage deep thinking and empathy.
• Ensure everyone has a chance to speak and be heard. Gently guide the conversation if it veers off topic.

Restorative Questions:

1. What happened?

   • (Prompt: From your perspective, what took place with the group text and at lunch? What did you see, hear, or experience?)
     
     
     

2. What were you thinking and feeling at the time this happened?

   • (Prompt: What thoughts or emotions were going through your mind when the comments were shared or when the fight happened?)
     
     
     

3. What have you thought and felt since then?

   • (Prompt: How have your thoughts and feelings changed or developed since the incident?)
     
     
     

4. Who has been affected by this incident, and how?

   • (Prompt: Think about yourselves, other friends, classmates, or even adults. How has this conflict impacted people around you?)
     
     
     

5. What needs to happen to make things right?

   • (Prompt: What concrete steps can we take, individually and as a group, to repair the harm, rebuild trust, and ensure our friendships are stronger moving forward?)
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

My Repair Kit: Conflict Resolution Cool-Down

Name: _____________________________

Date: _____________________________

Think about what we discussed today regarding friendship conflicts and making things right. Complete your personal "Repair Kit" below.

1. One thing I learned today about how conflicts affect friendships is:
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. One new strategy I can use to help make things right after a conflict is:
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. The most important part of repairing a friendship after a disagreement is (circle one):

   • Saying sorry
   • Understanding feelings
   • Making a plan for next time
   • Listening to everyone

4. How confident do you feel now about helping to resolve a conflict with friends?
   (Circle one)
   Not at all confident | A little confident | Pretty confident | Very confident

5. One question I still have about conflict resolution or friendships is:
   
   
   

Home Harmony Guide: Supporting Restorative Conflict Resolution

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Today, your child participated in a small group session focused on restorative conflict resolution within friendships. We discussed how to address disagreements constructively, understand the impact of our actions, and take steps to repair relationships.

What is Restorative Conflict Resolution?

Instead of just asking "Who is to blame?" or "What is the punishment?" a restorative approach asks:

• What happened? (Getting everyone's perspective)
• What were you thinking and feeling? (Understanding emotions and motivations)
• Who has been affected, and how? (Recognizing the ripple effect on others)
• What needs to happen to make things right? (Focusing on repair and moving forward)

This method empowers children to take responsibility, empathize with others, and actively work to heal harm and rebuild trust.

How You Can Support This at Home:

1. Listen Actively: When your child comes to you with a conflict, practice active listening. Let them share their full story without interruption or immediate judgment.

2. Ask Restorative Questions: Instead of lecturing, use questions similar to those we used in our session:

   • "What happened from your point of view?"
   • "How did that make you feel?"
   • "Who else might have been affected by this?"
   • "What do you think needs to happen to make things better?"

3. Encourage Empathy: Help your child consider the other person's perspective. "How do you think your friend felt when...?" or "What might they have been thinking?"

4. Focus on Repair, Not Just Apologies: A genuine apology is important, but true repair often involves actions. Help your child brainstorm concrete ways to make amends (e.g., spending positive time together, clarifying misunderstandings, offering help).

5. Model Restorative Practices: Show your child how you resolve conflicts in your own life by using these principles. Admit when you're wrong, apologize sincerely, and discuss how to make things right.

6. Patience is Key: Remind your child that rebuilding trust takes time and consistent effort. Support them through this process.

By reinforcing these ideas at home, you can help your child develop strong, resilient friendships and valuable life skills for navigating relationships throughout their lives.

If you have any questions or would like further resources, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Sincerely,

[Your Name/School Counseling Department]