Class Meetings

Ms. MercerFifth Grade

Nicholas Elementary

What are class meetings?

• A place where conflicts and problems can be resolved.

• A place where we can help each other as a class.

• A place we can plan together as a class.

• A place where we can thank and compliment each other.

The goal of our meetings is:

• To make our class a better place -- a simple goal, that will require work.

• To change “mistaken” behavior.

What are the goals of “mistaken” behavior?

• To get attention

• To seek revenge or get their way

• To get even with the teacher/adult or get in a power struggle

• To give up

Guidelines for our meeting

• Everyone will show respect for others at all times.

• We will sit in a circle quietly, with good body space, facing toward the center. There will be no side conversations.

• Do not interrupt, speak out of turn, or point.• Always use the person’s name when speaking

to or about them.• You will be asked to leave the circle, and then

the class, if you violate the rules.• If you can’t behave well enough to stay in the

meeting, you won’t be able to speak, or vote, even if the item is from or about you.

The parts of the meeting

•The class will get into a circle quickly, quietly, and safely•The meeting starts with compliments or thanks–Each student will get the discussion ball in turn and will give a compliment to someone (or more than one) in the class.–The person complimented acknowledges this by thanking the person by name.–The ball is then passed on to the next person–Everyone must participate in this part!

The next part is the agenda

• Agenda is where the class can bring items up at the meeting.

• This is where we discuss problems or conflicts.

Process for getting on the agenda for the class meeting

• Fill out a Class Meeting Agenda form and place it in the agenda box– Everything above the solutions should

be filled out

• When the teacher chooses your item, you will be asked if there is still a problem.

Process for an agenda item

• You will be given a chance to present your problem to the class

• Anyone involved in the conflict will get a chance to speak

Only the person with the discussion ball can speak!

Next steps with Agenda items

• The class will then take turns making suggestions about solutions. – Remember, only the person with the

discussion ball can speak.

• All solutions will be listed on the agenda sheet.

Solutions

• Once there is a list of solutions, the class votes on them.

• Then class needs to decide which solutions are:– Related to the problem– Reasonable– Responsible– RespectfulIf it doesn’t meet this criteria, it can’t be

implemented.

Follow-up

• The detention monitor will be responsible for confirming that the solution is carried out.

• The monitor will then report back to the teacher by giving her the agenda sheet with notes on when it was resolved.

In closing…

This process will only work as well as we work together, so let’s do our best.