Creating+Classroom+Agreements

Lesson: Creating Classroom Agreements (over a 5 day period) Created by: Cheryl Childers Standard(s): 1D Materials: chart paper, numerous colored markers Time: 15-20 min. each session Goals: to have students create their own agreements and identify their responsibilities in our classroom environment Indicators: students actively participate in creating agreements Describe Lesson Steps: Day 1… 1. Tell S that they will have an opportunity to create the agreements (rules) for our class for the school year. 2. At each table team, ask the students to name any agreement/rule they think we need to create a classroom where everyone feels safe and that they belong. Give short brainstorm time. 3. Students number off at each table, roll a dice and that numbered student stands up to share one idea he/she heard at their table. 4. Teacher records responses on chart paper w/ one color marker. Day 2… 1. Reread previous day’s list of agreements 2. Ask for any additions to the list – Use a different color marker from Day 1. 3. Ask students to help eliminate any agreements on our class list that are already school rules. Give them time to talk, have them number off, roll the dice and ask that number to stand and share. Use a different colored marker to cross off the school rules. 4. Ask students if they can live w/ the new agreements. Day 3… 1. Reread previous day’s list of agreements. 2. Teach students how to restate agreements in positive language. Instead of “Don’t yell” say “Use a quiet voice.” 3. Students work at atbel teams to restate engative statements into positive ones. 4. Use a different colored marker to restate positive agreements. Day 4… 1. Reread previous day’s list of agreements. 2. Ask students if there are any that can be combined. Are there any that are saying the same thing? (ie: Use your manners vs. Be Polite) 3. Ask students to help combine any agreements that are similar. Give them time to talk, have them number off, roll the dice and ask that number to stand and share. Use a different colored marker to make combinations. Day 5… 1. Reread previous day’s list of agreements. 2. Tell students that they get to spend 2 votes for the agreements they think we’ll need most to get along and feel safe. We’ll be narrowing down the list to 3-5 agreements. 3. Students have private votes. This can be done w/ head’s down, hand’s up or some other way. 4. Read the final list back and ask if students can live with the final list. 5. Discuss further as needed. 6. Rewrite the agreements on chart paper, each student signs his/her name to the agreements. Assessment(s): T observation: S participates in discussion/brainstorming