There are all kinds of reminders that a teacher can create to assist children in remembering what they need to do in order to follow through on their jointly created plans and agreements. You might want to review the steps of making an agreement below.

1. It’s critical to make and verbalize the agreement by stating what you need several times.

2. You’ll want to make sure the child can verbalize what you need to solidify the agreement. Always expect them to state the need by letting them fill in the open-ended statement “I need you to…”

3. Take time to discuss and clarify with them how you will know they are following through in keeping their agreement. Usually students will say “I’ll tell you”, or “You can watch me follow the agreement.”

4. Identify some kind of a reminder whether it’s a piece of yarn to lay on their lap, a picture of them doing what you want them to do, or a beaded ring to help them remember their agreement .

5. It’s really helpful for children to recite a small rhyme to help them remember their agreement several times a day before their work or play. “If I hit I have to sit”, “My hands are for helping not hurting”, “No rules, no game”.

6. Most children also need confirmation they are succeeding in keeping their agreement by reaching goals set by the teacher and the student. I use a lot of puzzles and color in the number from a picture of the agreement. When they keep their agreement they get another piece of the puzzle. Remember with small children they have to complete the puzzle before the morning is over in order for them to know they are an “agreement keeper”.