aidemia--modules-lessonstartideas_type	Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson
Which subject	Criminology
What age group	Doesn't matter
What topic	Restorative Justice
Quantity	1
Any other preferences

Opening Activity for a Lesson on Restorative Justice

Unpacking the Concept: A Real-Life Scenario

Objective:

To engage students in critical thinking about the principles of restorative justice through a relatable scenario that encourages empathy and discussion.

Lesson Start:

Scenario Introduction (5 minutes):
Begin the lesson with a dramatic reading of the following fictional but realistic scenario. Dim the lights to create a serious atmosphere and ask students to close their eyes and visualize the situation:

---

Scenario: The Broken Window

Imagine a quiet neighborhood early in the morning. A young man, Jake, has just broken the window of Mrs. Thompson's flower shop while playing basketball with his friends. The shattered glass glistens in the sunlight, and as Jake looks at his handiwork, he realizes the gravity of his actions. Mrs. Thompson, a kind elderly woman, has worked hard for years to build her little shop. The broken window not only represents a financial loss but also damages the community's trust.

Now, picture the aftermath:

1. Jake is approached by the police and faces potential criminal charges.
2. Mrs. Thompson is upset, feeling violated and anxious about the future of her shop.
3. The neighborhood, once a safe space, begins to feel divided.

---

Discussion Prompt (10 minutes):

Once the scenario is shared, instruct students to open their eyes and reflect on the following questions:

• What emotions might Jake be feeling after realizing the consequences of his actions?
• How do you think Mrs. Thompson feels about the situation?
• What could Jake do to make amends for his actions, beyond simply facing legal repercussions?

Response and Connection (15 minutes):

Facilitate a discussion based on their reflections, guiding students to the concept of restorative justice:

• Introduce the term "restorative justice" and explain that it emphasizes repairing the harm caused by criminal behavior through reconciliation and understanding.
• Highlight that restorative justice seeks to involve all stakeholders in the process, focusing on healing rather than punishment.

Transition to Lesson Content:

Conclude this opening activity by informing students that throughout the lesson, they will explore different aspects of restorative justice, including its principles, advantages, and real-world applications. Encourage them to keep Jake and Mrs. Thompson in mind as they delve deeper into the topic.

---

Final Thought:

By starting with a relatable scenario, you set the stage for a lesson that is not only informative but also deeply human and reflective on the impact of crime and justice within communities.