Better Than Carrots or Sticks: Restorative Practices for Positive Classroom Management

About the Book

Better Than Carrots or Sticks: Restorative Practices for Positive Classroom Management by Dominique Smith, Douglas Fisher, and Nancy Frey is an insightful guide to transforming classroom discipline through restorative practices and positive teacher-student relationships.

The book challenges traditional classroom management approaches that rely heavily on rewards and punishments. Instead, it presents a relationship-focused approach that encourages students to understand the impact of their actions, take responsibility for their behaviour, and actively contribute to a respectful classroom environment.

Drawing on educational research and practical classroom experiences, the authors explain how teachers can prevent behavioural problems, respond constructively to conflicts, and develop a positive learning culture where every student feels valued and supported.

What You Will Learn

• Understand the foundations of restorative classroom practices.
• Build stronger and more meaningful teacher-student relationships.
• Establish clear expectations and positive classroom routines.
• Address challenging behaviour without relying solely on punishment.
• Encourage accountability, empathy, and mutual respect.
• Use constructive conversations to resolve conflicts.
• Create an inclusive and supportive classroom environment.
• Promote student responsibility and positive behaviour.

Who Should Read This Book?

This book is ideal for school teachers, principals, educational leaders, teacher trainers, school counsellors, education students, and anyone interested in improving classroom management.

Why Read This Book?

It provides practical strategies for replacing purely punitive discipline with a more constructive approach based on relationships, responsibility, and mutual understanding. Educators can use these ideas to build stronger classroom communities and support students' academic and social development.

An essential resource for educators who want to create positive, respectful, and engaging classrooms where students can learn, grow, and succeed.

About the Authors

Dominique Smith is an experienced school leader, social worker, educator, and advocate for restorative practices in education. He serves as the principal of Health Sciences High & Middle College in San Diego, California, where he focuses on building positive school cultures that support student confidence, respect, and achievement. He is also a mentor and national trainer for the International Institute on Restorative Practices.

Douglas Fisher, PhD, is a professor of educational leadership at San Diego State University and a teacher leader at Health Sciences High in San Diego, California. A former intervention teacher and elementary school educator, he is widely recognised for his contributions to literacy, curriculum design, instructional strategies, and student achievement. He was inducted into the Reading Hall of Fame in 2022.

Nancy Frey, PhD, is a professor of educational leadership at San Diego State University and a teacher leader at Health Sciences High. She is a credentialed special educator, reading specialist, and school administrator. Her work focuses on literacy, effective teaching practices, educational leadership, and creating inclusive learning environments.

Together, the authors bring extensive experience in teaching, educational leadership, and student development. Through Better Than Carrots or Sticks, they share practical approaches to restorative classroom management, positive relationships, and creating respectful learning environments.