Class Agreements First Grade

As a first-grade teacher, it`s essential to establish clear expectations and guidelines for your classroom. One way to do this is by creating a class agreement with your students.

A class agreement is a set of rules and expectations that both the teacher and students agree to follow. It`s a collaborative effort that promotes a positive learning environment and helps students develop key social skills like communication, respect, and responsibility.

Here are some essential steps for creating a class agreement for your first-grade classroom:

1. Start with a class discussion

Gather your students in a circle and ask them what they think they need to be successful learners. Encourage them to share their thoughts and ideas on what rules and guidelines they would like to see in the classroom.

2. Narrow down the ideas

After the discussion, create a list of all the ideas your students shared. Group together any similar ideas and choose the most important ones. Explain to your students that you can`t include all of their ideas in the agreement, but you will choose the most important ones that will help the class learn and work together.

3. Phrase the expectations positively

Make sure that the expectations are phrased positively to promote a positive learning environment. For example, instead of saying „no running,“ you could say „we walk quietly in the classroom.“

4. Write it down

Once you have a list of expectations, write them down in a language that your first-grade students can understand. Use short sentences and simple language. You can also include pictures or symbols to help visual learners.

5. Sign the agreement

Make your class agreement official by having each student sign it. This will help them take ownership of the agreement and hold themselves accountable to it.

Here are some examples of class agreements for first-grade classrooms:

– We listen when someone is speaking.

– We raise our hand when we want to say something.

– We treat others the way we want to be treated.

– We follow directions the first time they are given.

– We work quietly and stay on task.

In conclusion, creating a class agreement is an effective way to promote a positive learning environment in your first-grade classroom. By involving your students in the process, you`re teaching them essential social skills that will help them succeed in school and in life. Remember to keep the expectations simple and positive, and have each student sign the agreement to make it official.