Body
Objective
Together with the learners, you brainstorm and then agree on a code of
behaviour that will support them feeling safe and respected in the classroom.
Activity: Contracting (15 min)
Teacher's note: Watch the 'Contracting' training video in preparation.
Step 1: Define contracting
Definition: A contract is a set of rules and behaviour that learners and teachers agree to observe. Contracting is a process whereby teachers openly discuss with learners how they want everyone in the class to treat one another. It is an agreement on how everyone will treat one another.
Step 2: Learners reflect
Prepare learners to develop a class contract. Ask them to reflect on their experiences
of being in a class with others. Write down their responses on the chalkboard.
Alternatively, learners can write their ideas in their journals. You might use prompts
like these below to structure their reflections:
Identify a time when you have felt comfortable sharing your ideas and questions in a class. What happened in those moments to help you feel comfortable?
Identify when you have had ideas or questions, but did not share them. Why not? What was happening or what were you feeling that made you uncomfortable to share?
Ask students to discuss, in small groups, the values and behaviours they would like
to have in the classroom.
Discuss
- What would create a safe, respectful, productive learning environment?
- Invite students to edit this list by deleting, revising, or adding to it.