…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 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)
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)
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:
