At our school, restorative circles are known as HIVES.
A beehive represents community, cooperation, and shared responsibility. Just as bees work together to build, protect, and sustain their hive, our students work together to build a safe, respectful, and supportive school community. Every voice matters. Every member contributes. Together, we create something strong and meaningful.
What Are Restorative Practices?
Restorative practices focus on building relationships, strengthening community, and repairing harm when conflicts arise. Rather than focusing only on consequences, restorative practices help students:
Take responsibility for their actions
Understand how their behavior impacts others
Develop empathy and active listening skills
Practice healthy conflict resolution
Rebuild trust when harm has occurred
HIVES circles are proactive and responsive. They build connection, prevent conflict, strengthen social emotional skills, and create space for honest dialogue. They also provide a structured way to reflect and repair relationships when challenges arise.
What Happens in a HIVES Circle?
All seats are arranged in a circle to emphasize equality and connectedness. There is no “front of the room.” Everyone is seen. Everyone is heard. Removing desks may feel different at first, but it helps create a space separate from traditional classroom instruction and increases accountability because body language and engagement are visible to all.
Each HIVES session follows a structure we call the Honeycomb Agenda:
Opening Ceremony
A brief activity or reflection that helps students transition into the circle space and focus.
Introduction to the Topic
The circle keeper introduces the theme. Topics may include community building, empathy, bullying prevention, healthy habits, goal setting, reflection, or conflict resolution.
Activity
An engaging task designed to build trust, rapport, and understanding among students.
Guiding and Reflection Questions
Students respond to thoughtful prompts using the talking piece so that each person has an equal opportunity to speak.
Closing Ceremony
A reflective closing that reinforces connection and brings the circle to a positive end.
Key Elements of a HIVES Circle
Talking Piece
A talking piece is passed from person to person to ensure everyone has an equal chance to speak. It may be a meaningful object such as a special rock, small stuffed animal, or koosh ball. Only the person holding the talking piece speaks while others listen respectfully.
Community Agreements
Students collaboratively create agreements to ensure a safe and respectful space. These often include:
Respecting the talking piece
Listening sincerely
Speaking honestly
Staying engaged
Keeping personal information private
Agreements are reviewed at each circle to maintain accountability and trust.
Centerpiece
A centerpiece is placed in the middle of the circle as a visual reminder of unity and purpose. It may include symbolic items connected to the theme or the group.
HIVES Activity
Each circle includes a structured activity that strengthens empathy, communication skills, and community bonds.
Positive Attitude
Participants are encouraged to enter the circle with openness and positivity to foster a supportive and empathetic environment.
The Role of the Circle Keeper
A circle keeper is different from a traditional teacher.
Circle Keeper
Sits in the circle at the same level as students
Listens mindfully and safeguards the process
Facilitates dialogue rather than lectures
Is not the fixer or expert
Ensures all voices are equal and valued
The responsibility of the keeper is to help participants create and maintain a safe space for conversation.
Teacher
Holds instructional authority
Designs and delivers academic lessons
Assigns and grades work
Documents progress
Plans instructional activities
In HIVES, the focus is on shared voice, dignity, accountability, and relationship building rather than direct instruction.
Why HIVES Matter
HIVES strengthens our school community by helping students develop the social and emotional skills they need to succeed academically and socially. When students feel heard, valued, and connected, they are more likely to engage positively in school and with one another.
Together, we build the hive.
