Repair Conversation Cards for Adults: 30 Restorative Cards After Conflict, High School

The best repair talks I have seen had one thing in common: the adult talked less than the kids. These cards keep you from lecturing. Pick an opener, two or three middle questions, and a closer, then let the students do the work.

What's included:

• A ground rules card

• 4 openers

• 6 questions for the student who caused harm

• 5 questions for the student who was hurt

• 6 questions for both students together

• 5 closers, 2 cards for younger kids, 1 for teens, and a quick adult guide

How I'd use it:

Only when everyone is calm. Hurt students choose whether to meet face to face. Bullying, threats, and safety concerns go to your school's formal process first, and the cards say that. Sit at the same level, not across a desk, and check back in two days.

Print the cards on cardstock and keep them on a ring in your desk or the counseling office. You do not need a lot of training to use them well. Pick the questions that fit the moment and let the silence sit for a few seconds after you ask. The students usually fill it. Paired with the four Calm the Room steps, these are what the mend and reconnect step looks like in a real conversation.

Who it's for: Teachers, counselors, and administrators. Grades K 12.

What you download: one printable PDF, 2 pages, US Letter.

Made by Jeremy D. Gooch, special education teacher and transition coordinator. Drafting and layout had AI assistance; every page was checked by me.