The Restorative Pathways Blog

Building Relational Schools Through Reflective Practice

Restorative Language in Action: Five Phrases That Change What Happens Next

Restorative Language in Action: Five Phrases That Change What Happens Next

Restorative Language in Action: Five Phrases That Change What Happens NextKristy Elliott
Published on: 08/09/2026

Five phrases worth practising before you need them, and the one assumption that sits underneath all of them.

behaviour as communicationtrauma informed schoolsunderstanding student behaviour
When Behaviour Is Communication: A Trauma Informed Perspective

When Behaviour Is Communication: A Trauma Informed Perspective

When Behaviour Is Communication: A Trauma Informed PerspectiveKristy Elliott
Published on: 20/08/2026

When a student acts out or shuts down, they are telling us something. A trauma informed look at what behaviour communicates, and how to listen differently.

behaviour as communicationtrauma informed schoolsunderstanding student behaviour
Why Restorative Practice Starts With Relationships, Not Rules

Why Restorative Practice Starts With Relationships, Not Rules

Why Restorative Practice Starts With Relationships, Not RulesKristy Elliott
Published on: 01/07/2026

Rules tell people what not to do. Relationships give people a reason to do better. Here's why restorative practice has to start with connection, and what that looks like in practice.

restorative practice relationshipsrelational teachingrestorative school culture
Connection Before Correction, What It Really Means in Schools

Connection Before Correction, What It Really Means in Schools

Connection Before Correction, What It Really Means in SchoolsKristy Elliott
Published on: 28/04/2026

What does connection before correction actually look like at 8:47am when a student won't go to class? A practical, honest look at this core restorative idea.

connection before correctionrestorative practicerestorative practice meaningrestorative approach schools