Creating Our Contract

Lesson Overview

Duration: 30 minutes
Class Size: 24 students
Year Group: 3rd and 4th Class
Curriculum Reference:

• Wellbeing Strand: Myself and the Wider World
• Strand Units: Myself and the Class; Myself and Others
• Learning Outcomes:
  • Demonstrate understanding of the importance of rules for wellbeing and safety (Wellbeing 3rd & 4th Class)
  • Participate actively in class decisions and collaborative activities (Wellbeing)
  • Express personal opinions and listen respectfully to others (Personal and Social Skills)

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Lesson Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• Understand why classroom rules (class contract) are important for a safe and positive learning environment.
• Collaboratively create a set of class rules that everyone agrees to follow.
• Demonstrate respect and listening skills by participating in a circle discussion.
• Recognise the connection between following rules and personal wellbeing.

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Resources Needed

• Large paper or whiteboard for the class contract
• Coloured markers
• Sticky notes (optional)
• Soft ball or “talking piece” for the circle sharing
• Pre-prepared “Warm-up Game” card

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Lesson Breakdown

1. Warm-up Game: "Pass the Compliment" (5 minutes)

Purpose: Create a positive atmosphere and build community, fostering respect which will underpin the rules.

Instructions:

• Students sit in a circle.
• Teacher starts by giving a compliment or positive statement about the person sitting to their right.
• That student then passes a compliment to the next person on their right.
• Continue until the compliment passes around the circle once.
• This helps children feel valued and models positive communication.

Curriculum Alignment:

• Wellbeing Strand: Myself and Others – Develop respectful relationships.
• Skills: Oral language, active listening, positive social interaction.

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2. Introduction and Discussion (7 minutes)

Teacher explains:

• “Why do we need rules in our classroom?”
• Encourage ideas about safety, fairness, kindness, and learning focus.

Ask:

• What rules are important to you at school?
• What happens if we don’t follow the rules?

Learning points to highlight:

• Rules help everyone feel safe and respected.
• Rules help us learn and have fun.

Curriculum Alignment:

• Wellbeing: Identify rules as essential for personal and group wellbeing.
• Supports developing personal responsibility (Wellbeing and SPHE guidelines).

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3. Creating the Class Contract (15 minutes)

Set-Up:

• Students remain seated in a circle for inclusivity and equality.
• Use a “talking piece” to manage speaking turns, teaching respectful listening.

Process:

• Teacher facilitates discussion, encouraging students to suggest rules.
• Write ideas clearly and visibly on large paper or whiteboard.
• Discuss each suggestion briefly: Why is this rule important?
• Group similar ideas where possible (e.g., “Be kind” covers multiple thoughts).

Focus:

• Keep rules positive (e.g., “Speak kindly” instead of “No shouting”).
• Aim for 5-7 concise rules that everyone can remember and agree to.
• Invite students to vote with thumbs up/down if a rule is unclear or contentious.

Final step:

• Teacher reads out final agreed contract.
• Ask for a class “promise” to follow the contract.
• Optionally, have each student sign or put their initials next to the contract as a symbol of commitment.

Curriculum Alignment:

• Wellbeing: Engage in decision-making and collective responsibility.
• Personal and Social Skills: Develop negotiation, communication, and compromise skills.
• Strand: Myself and the Class - Expressing views and cooperating with others.

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4. Reflection and Closing (3 minutes)

Ask students:

• How does following our class contract make school better for all of us?
• How can we remind each other gently if someone forgets?

Teacher emphasises:

• Using the contract is our way of respecting everyone’s rights and feelings.
• Following rules helps everyone learn and feel happy and safe.

Curriculum Alignment:

• Wellbeing strand: Reflect on personal responsibility and social skills.

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Assessment & Follow-Up

• Formative Assessment: Teacher observes participation, respectfulness, and understanding during discussion and contract creation.
• Follow-Up:
  • Display contract visibly in the classroom.
  • Refer to the contract regularly during the school year.
  • Plan a follow-up circle meeting after 2 weeks to discuss how the contract is working and adjust if needed.

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Teacher’s Notes & Tips

• Reinforce positive language throughout.
• Use the “talking piece” technique consistently to develop listening skills and turn-taking.
• Encourage shy students gently, ensuring all voices are heard.
• Use visual aids or pictorial symbols for rules if necessary for mixed language abilities or younger children within this age group.

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This lesson plan combines wellbeing with active participation, grounded firmly in the Irish Curriculum Framework for Wellbeing, emphasising personal responsibility, respectful relationships, and community values. It offers a creative, inclusive, and memorable way to set the foundation for a positive classroom culture.