Fostering a Respectful Montessori Community Using Classroom Agreements

As Montessori educators, we understand the importance of creating a harmonious classroom environment that promotes independence, respect, and collaboration. One powerful way to help achieve this goal is by working with students to create classroom agreements. This approach not only aligns with Montessori principles but also nurtures democratic values and fosters a sense of ownership among students. Both Montessori Early Childhood and Montessori Elementary teachers can implement this practice effectively.

 

…the children develop a true ‘social feeling,’ for they are working in the environment of the community in which they live, without concerning themselves as to whether it is for their own, or for the common good.

—Maria Montessori
The Discovery of the Child, p. 97.

The Importance of Student-Generated Agreements

Regardless of their age group, it is important to involve students in creating classroom agreements. When students participate in establishing the rules they are expected to follow, they are more likely to understand, remember, and respect the guidelines. Involving students in the process also provides valuable lessons in democracy, compromise, and community building.

 

Early Childhood (Ages 3–6)

The process of creating class agreements in the Montessori early childhood environment must be simple and concrete.

1. Circle Time Discussions: Initiate conversations about kindness, respect, and safety. Ask questions like, “How can we be kind to our friends?” and “What makes you feel safe in our classroom?”

2. Visual Aids: Use pictures or simple drawings to represent ideas. For example, a picture of children sharing toys can represent “We share with our friends.”

3. Positive Language: Frame agreements positively. Instead of “No running,” try, “We walk in the classroom.”

4. Keeping It Simple: Limit agreements to 3–5 main points for this age group.

5. Regular Reminders: Review agreements regularly as needed through songs, gestures, or during circle time discussions.

6. Model Behavior: Consistently demonstrate the agreed-upon behaviors yourself.

Elementary (Ages 6–12)

For elementary Montessori students, the process can be more detailed and involve higher-level thinking:

1. Brainstorm: Begin the school year with a class meeting. Ask students to reflect on what makes a positive learning environment.

2. Categorize Ideas: Group similar suggestions together. Common categories include respect, safety, learning environment, and conflict resolution.

3. Debate and Refine: Encourage respectful debate about proposed agreements. Guide students to consider different perspectives and potential consequences.

4. Build Consensus: Aim for agreements that everyone can support, even if they’re not everyone’s first choice. This teaches valuable lessons in compromise.

5. Write It Down: Have students collaboratively write out the final agreements. Invite each student to sign the document as a symbol of their commitment.

6. Review Regularly: Schedule periodic class meetings to review and, if necessary, revise agreements based on the class’s evolving needs.

As Montessori educators, we have the privilege of guiding children to become not just good students but also thoughtful, engaged members of their community. Creating inclusive classroom agreements promotes community building and a peaceful and respectful atmosphere. Involving students in the process builds their sense of responsibility, democracy, citizenship, and empathy. The process of creating a collaborative classroom agreement requires patience, consistency, and a willingness to adapt by both teachers and students. But the rewards of a peaceful, harmonious environment where children feel valued, respected, and empowered are well worth the effort. 

Learn more about establishing classroom routines and building community in NAMC’s Montessori Classroom Guide. See our curriculum pages for more information:

NAMC’s Montessori Early Childhood Curriculum

NAMC’s Montessori Lower Elementary Curriculum

NAMC’s Montessori Upper Elementary Curriculum

Michelle Zanavich — NAMC Tutor & Graduate

As much as possible, NAMC’s web blog reflects the Montessori curriculum as provided in its teacher training programs. We realize and respect that Montessori schools are unique and may vary their schedules and offerings in accordance with the needs of their individual communities. We hope that our readers will find our articles useful and inspiring as a contribution to the global Montessori community.
© North American Montessori Center - originally posted in its entirety at Montessori Teacher Training on Tuesday, September 3, 2024.