• Refresh & Connect:
    Restorative Techniques and Art for Enhanced
    Communication and Well-being in Teaching

    One-week course in:
    Budapest: €430 (5 days, 25 lessons)

Course Description

This course aims to provide a comprehensive range of techniques for better school classes’ management and communication. Participants will explore non-formal teaching methods and restorative techniques, including effective questioning strategies, to prevent and manage conflicts in schools. To ensure self-care, each session will contain well-being exercise.

The course is a comprehensive training program designed for educators seeking to improve communication, foster a positive classroom environment, and support student well-being. This course blends theory and practice, equipping participants with restorative approaches and creative strategies that enhance classroom dynamics.

Participants will explore techniques such as icebreakers, visual communication tools, and restorative questioning. The course also covers the facilitation of restorative circles, offering hands-on practice to build confidence in managing group activities and resolving conflicts constructively. Each session concludes with well-being exercises, emphasizing mindfulness and self-care to support both teachers and students.

By the end of the course, educators will leave with practical skills and a toolkit of methods they can integrate into class excursions, school programs, and community activities to encourage meaningful connections and personal development.

Objectives

The primary objective of this course is to develop communication skills and to introduce participants to the foundational concepts and techniques of restorative conflict resolution. Through theory and hands-on practice, participants will gain essential skills to and manage and resolve conflicts in a constructive and empathetic manner.

Through various art exercises and the use of photos, we will enhance communication skills among participants. These creative activities will foster self-expression, encourage open dialogue, and build a supportive atmosphere conducive to sharing and understanding emotions.

Additionally, the course places a strong emphasis on the well-being of participants, creating a supportive environment that promotes personal growth and resilience.

Throughout the course, participants will engage in a variety of collaborative activities, working in pairs and small groups to enhance practical learning. We will employ both traditional (frontal) and non-formal teaching methods, creating a dynamic and interactive environment that supports skill development and personal engagement.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to identify and define the basic elements of restorative techniques. They will learn to recognize and encourage positive behavior without resorting to punishment, instead focusing on repairing relationships and fostering a cooperative community spirit. Additionally, participants will develop skills in restorative questioning, promoting accountability and empathy within their interactions.

Participants will also acquire techniques for relaxation and stress management, learning effective methods to protect themselves from the various impacts of stress. These skills will support their well-being, enhancing resilience and fostering a balanced approach to their personal and professional lives.

Participants will gain a thorough understanding of the theoretical foundations, models, and techniques central to the restorative approach. They will understand the dynamics of conflict escalation and recognize how restorative responses can address and de-escalate conflicts effectively. Additionally, participants will become familiar with various applications and methods of restorative procedures, equipping them with practical tools for implementation in diverse settings.

Planned Schedule

Day 1 Introduction: Building Connections and Setting the Stage
  • Icebreakers and Visual Tools: Engage participants with icebreaker activities and visual aids to foster a welcoming environment and encourage connection.
  • Participants’ Expectations and Course Goals: Discuss individual expectations and outline the course objectives to align participant goals with the course’s aims.
  • Using Images for Communication and for introduction: Explore how images can enhance communication.
  • Closing Well-Being Exercise: Conclude the session with a well-being exercise to promote relaxation and set a positive tone for the course.
Day 2 Communication, conflicts and basics of restorative concept
  • Warming Up with Icebreakers
  • Communication and Emotional Expression Activities: Engage in a series of exercises using varied tools—such as pictures, drawings, and photos—to enhance communication skills and emotional expression.
  • Introduction to the Restorative Concept: Provide an overview of the foundational principles and basics of the restorative approach and types of conflicts.
  • Well-Being Exercise: Close the session with a well-being exercise to encourage relaxation and mindfulness, fostering a supportive learning environment.
Day 3 Restorative techniques and questioning
  • Icebreakers and Warm-Up Activities: Begin with engaging icebreaker activities to build rapport and prepare for deeper learning.
  • Restorative Techniques and Questioning: Introduce key restorative techniques, including restorative questioning, and explore their applications in classroom management, conflict resolution, and conflict prevention.
  • Theory to Practice: Provide opportunities for participants to apply these techniques through role-playing or group exercises, reinforcing practical skills.
  • Well-Being Activity: Conclude with a well-being exercise to support participants’ self-care and resilience.
Day 4 Exploring Restorative Circles
  • Icebreakers and Warm-Up Activities: Start with interactive icebreakers to energize participants and foster a collaborative atmosphere.
  • Introduction to Restorative Circles: Discuss the theory behind restorative circles, including their purpose and benefits in educational settings.
  • Group Exercises: Engage participants in group exercises to practice facilitating restorative circles, focusing on roles, processes, and effective communication techniques.
  • Well-Being Exercises: Conclude with well-being exercises to promote relaxation and self-awareness, reinforcing the importance of emotional health in restorative practices.
Day 5 Warming Up and Course Wrap-Up
  • Icebreakers and Warm-Up Activities: Begin with light icebreakers to create a relaxed atmosphere as participants prepare for the conclusion of the course.
  • Course Summary and Takeaways: Engage participants in a discussion to summarize key learnings from the course, highlighting the skills and insights they can take away.
  • Participant Reflections: Encourage participants to share their experiences, what they found most valuable, and how they plan to apply their new knowledge.
  • Certificates of Completion: Distribute certificates to participants, recognizing their commitment and achievements throughout the course.

Dates and Prices

Language level:English B1 and above*
Locations:Budapest (Hungary)
Time:9 AM to 2:30 PM daily (extracurricular activities outside of learning activities)
Dates:Budapest: 10-14 March 2025, 22-26 April 2025, 30 June - 4 July 2025, 14-18 July 2025, 7-11 July 2025, 18-22 August 2025, 25-29 August 2025, 22-26 October 2025, 27-31 October 2025 (5 days, 25 lessons)
Price:€430 (5 days) - including an extracurricular activity and a welcome lunch or dinner

*The language of the course is English, linguistic aid may be provided for speakers of Hungarian with lower language abilities.

Conditions

The course complies with all rules as set in the Quality Standards of the Erasmus+ program. Courses are including an extracurricular cultural activity and a welcome lunch or dinner, and study groups are international. Note: should the latter condition not be met, participants will be informed 40 days in advance.

Payment facilities: participants with funding from the actual year’s project budget may ask to request a deposit of EUR 100 to guarantee their places on the course and pay the rest of the fees later.

It is possible to take part in 2 consecutive courses, please book both separately. A price reduction of 15% will be applied.