Restorative Literacies: Creating a Community of Care in Schools

Wolter's book "Restorative Literacies" explores the complex relationships between cognition, metacognition, identity, behavior, and literacies in schools. It proposes restorative literacies as a way to repair harm, restore relationships, and expand literacy for disenfranchised students. The book emphasizes the importance of creating a community of care that involves all stakeholders and provides racially, culturally, linguistically, and economically responsive instruction in multiple forms of literacies. It offers examples and strategies for centering the voice and stories of people in our quest to humanize and reimagine how we care for, about, and with others.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 168 pages
Publication date: 30 March 2021
Publisher: Teachers' College Press

Wolter delves into the intricate connections between cognition, metacognition, identity, behavior, and literacies through eight compelling stories of restorative literacies. These restorative literacies are rooted in the principles of restorative justice and aim to assist educators in repairing harm, restoring relationships, and expanding the concept of literacy for some of our most disenfranchised and disengaged students.

Restorative literacies go beyond simply improving readers and writers. They strive to create a caring community that involves students, teachers, administrators, and families, ensuring that all students receive racially, culturally, linguistically, and economically responsive instruction in various forms of literacies. Drawing on the author's extensive experiences in cultivating a love of reading among her students and studying the practices of other educators, Restorative Literacies presents a thought-provoking set of examples about centering the voice and stories of people in our quest to humanize and reimagine how we care for, about, and with others.

The book offers a comprehensive literacy model of restorative justice, involving participation from teachers, principals, administrators, and parents. It provides engaging narratives from elementary and secondary schools to illustrate concepts and strategies. One key aspect highlighted is compassionate listening, which involves a conscious effort to ensure that all involved are fully heard, free from assumptions, judgment, and bias. This skill is essential in fostering meaningful connections and understanding.

Furthermore, the book identifies practices that take a positive view of learners, rather than referring students to special education. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing and valuing each student's strengths and abilities, fostering a sense of belonging and inclusion. Restorative practices are also presented as an alternative to pushout practices, which are often designed to control students and limit their potential. By focusing on restoration, educators can create a learning environment that promotes growth, resilience, and a sense of belonging for all students.

In conclusion, Restorative Literacies is a valuable resource for educators seeking to create a more equitable and inclusive learning environment. Through its compelling stories and practical strategies, the book empowers educators to repair harm, restore relationships, and expand the concept of literacy for all students. By centering the voice and stories of people, restorative literacies offer a powerful way to humanize and reimagine how we care for, about, and with others.

Weight: 232g
Dimension: 156 x 228 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780807765203