Class Contracts and Reinforcement Plan
Positive Management Lesson Ideas for the First Days of Class
Aug 15, 2008
It's a challenge to maintain control in any classroom, but more so when the mother tongue of the students, whether they be five or fifteen years old, is not English. Within the first days of class, it's essential to establish classroom rules, management plans, and show students how it all works before other activities begin. Without a solid plan, both teacher and student feel uncomfortable, anxious, and are less likely to learn. With a clear, fair, and consistently enforced plan, both teacher and student are calmer, happier, and more motivated.
The Class Contract Lesson
Supervised by the teacher, ESL students who possess an adequate level of English can create their own classroom rules and make a contract that makes them feel in control and confident of classroom expectations. The contract acts as a foundation and visible tool for positive reinforcement throughout the year.
- Teacher puts students in groups of about three to four.
- Teacher gives groups 10 minutes to brainstorm a list of five positive classroom rules.
- Groups write their choices on the black/whiteboard.
- Teacher asks whole class to find the most common rules between all groups. Students vote on top five if necessary.
- Teacher compiles the fresh list of top five positive classroom rules on the board.
- Teacher asks the class if they agree. If one person disagrees, the class must re-arrange the list. The drafting does not end until the entire class agrees.
- Teacher types up the classroom rules on paper. For homework, students must take it home, show parent/guardian and both must read and sign it.
Class Contract Model
- Respect teacher and classmates.
- Respect classroom property.
- Do homework on time.
- Raise hand to speak.
- Speak English only.
A large copy of the contract can also be placed on the classroom wall for reminders.
A Positive Reinforcement Plan in the ESL Classroom
The following example, based on the class contract above, provides visible evidence of class progress that fosters friendly competition and motivates students to work hard and come to class. The visibility of progress on the walls is particularly helpful for ESL students and aids their understanding of class expectations.
- Students draw and color their faces on a piece of paper. Student or teacher can write the student's name at the top of the paper.
- Teacher puts the faces on the classroom wall. If the teacher has more than one class, each one can decide on a class name in English that is posted above their faces (Crazy Cats, Sneaky Squirrels, etc.)
- If students abide by the class contract for the entire lesson, they receive a sticker on the paper with their face. If not, those particular students do not receive one. At the end of each month, the classes with the most stickers can choose a reward, like watching a movie in English, playing an English game of choice, a pizza party, or another special treat. For more motivation, rewards can get progressively better throughout the school year.
If resentment in a class builds as a result of one or two students who do not complete homework regularly or generally misbehave, the teacher may need to hold a parent conference and offer extra help and attention to said student(s).
In any classroom management plan, positive reinforcement must remain constant. Students are motivated by encouragement and are more likely to succeed when the teacher creates a positive learning environment. Class contracts and reinforcement plans make students feel secure and are valuable tools for a smooth school year.
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