Class Agreement (on Rules)
A collaborative classroom activity in which students sit together in a circle and jointly develop a small set of shared agreements for how the class wants to treat one another. Rather than rules being handed down by the teacher, students discuss and decide together what helps them feel safe, respected, and included, and what should happen if an agreement is broken. The result is displayed as a signed class poster that is revisited periodically.
Purpose
To build a sense of ownership and security by involving students directly in defining the norms that govern their shared learning space, rather than imposing rules externally.
Use and Learning Outcomes
- ● Builds ownership of classroom norms by having students author the agreements themselves rather than receiving them ready-made.
- ● Strengthens psychological safety by making explicit, in the students' own words, what helps them feel safe and included.
- ● Develops democratic and collaborative skills through structured group discussion and consensus-building.
- ● Creates shared accountability by agreeing together, in advance, what should happen when an agreement is broken.
- ● Provides a living reference point that the class can return to and revise as the group evolves.
Wellbeing References
Details & Preparation
Room Requirements
● A space where students can sit in a circle facing one another (chairs or floor seating).
● A poster board, large sheet of paper, or whiteboard for recording the agreed points.
● No specialized technical, audio, or video tools required.
Time for preparation
30 minutes
Preparation
Tasks to prepare before the action:
● Arrange the Space: Set up chairs or seating in a circle so every student can see and be seen.
● Prepare the Poster: Have a large sheet of paper, markers, and pens ready for signatures.
● Frame the Questions: Prepare the three guiding questions in advance so the discussion stays focused.
Which principles must be observed to achieve the greatest possible success?
● Genuine Co-Creation, Not Rubber-Stamping: The agreements must come from the students' own words; the teacher facilitates rather than dictates the content.
● Every Voice Counts: Actively invite quieter students to contribute, so the agreement reflects the whole class, not just the loudest voices.
● Keep It Small and Concrete: Aim for a short, memorable list rather than an exhaustive set of rules.
Materials
Large poster board (or flipchart paper)
Colorful markers
Moderation cards or Post-it notes,
Dot stickers for voting
A "special" pen for signatures
Sequence of Steps
Gathering Needs (The Assessment)
15 minStudents work in small buzz groups (2–3 people). Their task is to brainstorm answers to two central questions on Post-its (one idea per note).
Focus Questions: What do I need in this class to feel safe and happy? What do I need to be able to learn effectively? (e.g., "quiet time during individual work", "nobody getting laughed at").
Clustering & Sorting (Identifying Themes)
15 minAll Post-it notes are placed on the whiteboard. The teacher, along with two student comoderators, groups identical or similar notes together.
Categories emerge naturally (e.g., "How we treat each other", "Volume levels", "Handling materials"). Headings are jointly chosen for each cluster.
From Wishes to Rules
20 minSmall groups take charge of one specific cluster each and transform the raw points into 1–2 clear rules.
The Golden Rule for Rules: Frame them positively!
Avoid "Don't" or "No" statements. Instead of "Don't shout out in class", rephrase it as "We let each other finish speaking and raise our hands". Positive phrasing directs the brain to the desired action.
Democratic Voting
15 minThe group drafts are gathered on the board. Each rule is briefly put up for discussion: Is it realistic? Does everyone understand what it implies?
Every student receives 3 dot stickers and votes on the rules they deem most important.
The top 4–5 rules with the highest votes make it into the final agreement.
Fewer rules equal higher compliance!
The Ceremonial Signing (Ratification)
10 minutesThe winning rules are neatly transcribed in large lettering onto the main class poster board.
In a ceremonial fashion, all students and the teacher sign the contract. The poster is mounted prominently in the classroom.
Briefly clarify what steps will be taken if someone breaches the contract (focusing on restoration/making amends rather than pure punishment).
Reflection & Tips
Reflection
How does it feel to know that you directly helped shape these rules?
Is it easier to follow guidelines when you understand the deeper purpose behind them?
Tips for Implementation
● Revisit, Don't Just Display: Briefly check in on the poster every few weeks — a forgotten poster loses its meaning.
● Model the Agreements Yourself: The teacher should visibly follow the same agreements, reinforcing that they apply to everyone in the room.
● Keep the Consequence Discussion Constructive: Frame 'what happens when an agreement is broken' around repair and learning, not punishment.
