Class agreements are much more than ‘rules’—they’re the foundation of your classroom culture.

They represent a shared understanding between you and your students about how everyone wants the class to feel and operate. But just like any relationship, those agreements need regular attention to stay strong.

For me, teaching kids about emotions is right up there with teaching them to read, tie their shoes, and understand that storing snacks inside their library books is a fast way to ruin both.

Teaching is an emotionally demanding profession. Every day, you’re faced with a myriad of challenges, from managing classroom dynamics to meeting the diverse needs of your students. It’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of the day forgetting to check in with the most important person in the room: YOU.