(Google Slides - Make a copy to edit)
Before:
Have an idea of what classroom expectations you want to include so that you can nudge your students in the right direction 😉
Materials: colored pencils, paper, sticky notes, poster board
Warm-Up:
Prompt students to imagine their ideal learning environment and draw a picture.
Repeat for their most unproductive learning environment.
Activity:
Have students individually write down on sticky notes what their ideal classroom looks like, feels like, and sounds like (one sticky for each). Repeat for students' most unproductive learning environment.
Have students post the sticky notes and share with their classmates. Talk about common themes.
Collectively create classroom expectations based on this ideal learning environment.
Example: Does talking over each other reach this vision? No! So our classroom expectation is "One voice at a time." What do we think about having phones out in class? Guide students here.
This helps set the tone for your year as students recognize that their voice matters, is heard, and is respected.
Closing:
Write out a "Class Contract" with the the expectations, and have everyone sign (including yourself!).
Post it somewhere in your classroom as a constant reminder.
Extra Credit:
Brainstorm a classroom name (students of all ages love this, even the older ones act too cool for school😎).
Check out our next lesson on Introducing A Classroom Economy To Your Students.
Any suggestions for co-creating classroom expectations? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at [email protected], or shoot us a message below :)