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Responsive Classroom Approach Helps Guide Second Grade Class Agreement
At the beginning of the year, classes work together to create agreements regarding their goals for the year and how they can collectively work towards accomplishing those goals, which is part of the Responsive Classroom teaching approach. This week in second grade, students created their class agreement by first thinking of academic goals they have for themselves, and then of their hopes for the classroom. The class defined goals as “something they feel is tricky for them that can be improved with work and practice; and hopes are something they might not have control over, but which they would be happy to see come true,” says teacher Sara Goldrath. After the class determined their goals and hopes, Ms. Goldrath asked students to answer the question “What rules about our behavior do we need to agree on as a class in order for everyone to reach their goals?” Students answered by brainstorming the following guidelines: 1) Keep asking questions; 2) Use the tools in our classroom wisely; 3) Take care of our supplies; 4) Active listening; and 5) Be kind and inclusive of others. Once the guidelines were complete, students signed the agreement in a unique way: using their thumbprints!
Adds Ms. Goldrath, “Our class agreement helps us bring our best learning selves every day and, most importantly, helps us reach our goals!” MORE PHOTOS
