Social Contract - a modern twist on classroom expectations

This is how I use the Social Contract activity with my 7th grade
math classes.  Our school participated in training that suggested
we make a social contract for each class period and rotate through
the posters hanging in our classrooms every period, every day, all
year.  This is my version of the social contract.  It doesn’t take
as long as having the kids come up with the phrases and it combines
all class periods into one so it can hang in your classroom all day.

 

 

I put students in groups of 3-4 and each group gets a half sheet of paper called “What will Make our Classroom Great?"  Students read and complete the paper, circling the three phrases that they believe are most important.  When they are finished, I have each group share their three phrases with the class and put a check mark next to each one mentioned on my copy.  It’s a good idea to ask a follow-up question for each group so there is a discussion about a great classroom.  For example, “Can you give me an example of supporting others?”

 

 

 

Then I print the pages with the big words onto colorful paper and
     cut them out. To show how many times a phrase was chosen in the top three, I use a small
     heart paper punch.

Then I glue the phrases onto one piece of poster board and have all students in all classes initial the poster to show they agree to the social contract.  Before asking them to
     initial, I ask if there is anything about it that should be changed or if there is anyone who does not agree (I’ve never had anyone not agree).  I display the finished product for all to see.

 

 

 

This is easy to make on your own but if you want to save time, I have an editable version ready to go in my TpT store.