Shared Promises Slides Community Compass • Lesson 1
Building Our Foundation
Shared Promises
How do we create a room where everyone can think boldly, speak bravely, and feel safe every single day?
01. Discover
Rules vs Agreements
02. Define
Our 3 Core Needs
03. Co-Create
The Classroom Pact
A Shift in Thinking
From Enforcement to Ownership
Top-Down Rules
• Focus on what NOT to do
• Imposed by authority to force compliance
• Creates fear of getting caught
"Don't speak unless called on."
Community Agreements
• Focus on how we care for each other
• Created together by every member
• Builds shared responsibility and trust
"We honor all voices by listening with curiosity."
Turn & Talk: Which environment helps you take creative risks without fear?
The Three Pillars of Our Space
What Every Learner Needs
Physical & Emotional Safety
Free from ridicule, physical discomfort, and fear of making mistakes.
"Mistakes are proof we are trying."
Mutual Respect
Treating peers with dignity, validating differences, and sharing airtime equally.
"Every voice has real value here."
Collective Growth
Supporting one another when challenges emerge instead of leaving peers behind.
"We rise by lifting others."
Reflection: Which pillar is most important for you personally to do your best work?
Co-Authoring Our Classroom Pact
Next Steps
Step 1
Individual Brainstorm
Fill out your personal pact sheet with behaviors that help you thrive.
5 Minutes
Step 2
Small Group Huddle
Compare ideas, find common ground, and select top 2 group commitments.
10 Minutes
Step 3
Consensus & Signing
Merge group ideas into 4-5 core promises and sign our community banner.
15 Minutes
Ready to build our shared promises together?
Open Your Pact Worksheet
Classroom Pact Worksheet Community Compass • Lesson 1
Classroom Pact Worksheet
Co-Designing Our Space
Values & Action Promises
Student Name
Date
Class Period
1
My Learning Environment Needs
Think about times when you felt energized and respected in class. Complete each sentence prompt below.
A. I feel emotionally safe to take creative risks and ask questions when:
B. When I feel frustrated or stuck with an assignment, I need others to:
2
Flip the Script: From Rules to Promises
Traditional rules focus on policing negative behavior. Community agreements describe how we actively uplift one another. Rewrite the traditional rules below into positive community promises.
Old Negative Rule
New Community Promise
"Don't interrupt people."
Example: We listen actively and allow speakers to finish their thoughts.
"Don't laugh at wrong answers."
"Don't touch other people's stuff."
3
My Contribution to Our Classroom Pact
What is one specific, observable promise you pledge to bring to our community every single day?
Classroom Community Pledge I commit to honoring these shared agreements and helping my peers do the same.
Student Signature
Norms Facilitator Teacher Guide Teacher Resource • Lesson 1 of 3
Norms Facilitator Teacher Guide
Duration: 45-50 Mins
Shared Promises Protocol
Lesson Goal
Shift from teacher-mandated compliance to student-owned community agreements.
Materials Needed
Slides, Classroom Pact Worksheets, sticky notes, large poster chart.
Final Product
4-5 actionable classroom agreements signed by all students.
Pacing & Facilitation Protocol
Part 1: The Hook — Rules vs. Agreements (10 Mins) Slides 1-2
Display Slide 2. Ask: "When you see a sign that says 'No Skateboarding,' what do you think? How is that different from a friend saying 'Let's keep this path safe for each other'?" Guide students to realize that traditional rules often trigger resistance, whereas agreements activate empathy and mutual responsibility.
Part 2: Personal Inventory & Reframing (15 Mins) Worksheet
Distribute the Classroom Pact Worksheet . Have students complete Section 1 individually (silent writing, 5 min). Then model how to flip negative "don't" commands into constructive commitments. Emphasize that every agreement must state what we do , not merely what we avoid.
Part 3: Triad Synthesis & Whole-Group Consensus (20 Mins) Collaborative
Group students into triads. Each student pitches their top agreement. The triad synthesizes them onto 2 colored sticky notes. Place notes under the 3 pillars on the whiteboard: Safety, Respect, Growth. Cluster similar notes live to formulate 4-5 final classroom promises.
Best Practices
Keep the final list under 5 promises so they are memorable.
Use active verbs: "We listen", "We protect", "We encourage" .
Refer back to these daily during Morning Meetings or debriefs.
Anticipated Pitfalls
Students suggesting punitive consequences instead of behaviors.
Overly broad statements like "Be good" — push for concrete actions.
Passive agreement without genuine student voice and buy-in.
Community Compass • Lesson 1: Shared Promises Facilitator Guide Ready for Lesson 2: Conflict Compass
Conflict Compass Slides Community Compass • Lesson 2
Conflict Resolution Skills
Conflict Compass
Conflict isn't bad—it's natural when people care. What matters is having the tools to navigate tension without causing harm.
01. Recognize
Body Warning Signs
02. Communicate
Constructive 'I' Statements
03. Resolve
The 4-Step Peace Bridge
The Body Radar: Catching the Spark
Before We React
Physical Alert Signals
• Clenched fists or tight jaw
• Rapid breathing or racing heart
• Urge to yell, blame, or storm away
When emotions spike, logic takes a backseat.
The 30-Second Reset
1. Pause: Stop speech and movement.
2. Inhale 4s, Exhale 6s: Signal safety to your nervous system.
3. Name the Feeling: "I feel frustrated right now."
Rule of Thumb: Never try to solve a conflict at a level 10 emotional temperature.
Mastering 'I' Statements
Expressing Needs Without Accusing
"You always..." makes people defensive.
Part 1
"I feel..."
Name the emotion
Part 2
"When you..."
State specific action
Part 3
"Because..."
Explain the impact
Part 4
"Next time, I need..."
Request clear change
"You're being rude and taking all my markers!" ➔ "I feel upset when you grab markers without asking because I'm using them. Next time, please ask first."
Try It: How does the second statement change the conversation?
The 4 Steps of the Peace Bridge
Walking Toward Resolution
Step 1
Tell Your Story
Use an 'I' statement to explain what happened from your viewpoint.
No interrupting allowed.
Step 2
Mirror Back
Repeat what you heard the other person say to confirm accuracy.
"What I heard you say is..."
Step 3
Brainstorm Fixes
Generate 2-3 fair solutions that work for both people.
Focus on win-win outcomes.
Step 4
Seal the Plan
Agree on one solution, shake hands or fist-bump, and check back later.
Peace Bridge Worksheet Community Compass • Lesson 2
Peace Bridge Worksheet
Self-Regulation & Repair
De-Escalation Toolkit
Student Name
Date
Class Period
1
My Body Radar & Reset Plan
When I begin getting angry or upset, my body feels:
My go-to 30-second reset technique is:
2
'I' Statement Builder
Formula: "I feel [emotion] when you [action] because [reason]. Next time, I need [request]."
Blaming accusation: "You always talk over me during science group work and ignore my ideas!"
Rewrite using the 4-part formula:
3
The Peace Bridge In Action
Scenario: Jordan borrows Marcus's colored pencils without asking and returns them with several broken tips right before art class ends. Marcus feels furious.
Step 1: Tell Your Story (Marcus) How can Marcus express what happened calmly?
Step 2: Mirror Back (Jordan) What did Jordan hear Marcus express?
Step 3: Brainstorm Solutions What are two win-win ways to solve this?
Step 4: Seal the Plan What is the final agreement both commit to?
Peace Bridge Principle: Attack the problem together, never attack the person.
Community Compass #2
Scenario Cards Activity Guide Teacher Resource • Lesson 2 of 3
Scenario Cards Activity Guide
Partner Simulation
Peace Bridge Role-Play
Partner Role-Play Routine (15 Mins) Pairs or Triads
Partner A acts as Person 1, Partner B acts as Person 2 (in triads, Partner C is the "Bridge Coach" who keeps time and checks for 'I' statements). Pairs walk through all 4 steps of the Peace Bridge for one scenario, then swap roles with a new card.
Printable Scenario Cards
Cut along dotted lines
Card A Collaboration
The Unequal Poster
During a group history project, Alex finishes all the coloring and writing alone. Sam doodles on scratch paper. When turning in the poster, Sam writes their name first and biggest. Alex feels resentful and unappreciated.
Goal: Express work equity without calling names.
Card B Personal Space
The Line Squeeze
Waiting to go to the media center, Taylor cuts in front of Maya to stand by friends, accidentally stepping on Maya's new sneakers and bumping her shoulder. Maya yells, "Back off, stop being so selfish!"
Goal: Reset emotional temperature and address boundary.
Card C Inclusion
The Saved Seat
At the lab tables, Leo sits down at an open stool. Chloe immediately puts her backpack on it and says, "You can't sit here, this spot is saved for Avery." Leo is left standing with a heavy tray looking humiliated.
Goal: Navigate inclusion and respectful classroom hospitality.
Card D Property & Trust
The Crumpled Sketch
Kai is reaching for a glue stick and knocks over a water bottle onto Devon's final drawing. Kai laughs nervously and says, "Oops, my bad, it wasn't that serious." Devon slams their desk and tears up.
Goal: Acknowledge accidental harm without dismissing feelings.
Peer Coach Quick Rubric:
Did speaker use "I feel..." instead of "You did..."?
Did listener accurately mirror back without sarcasm?
Did the final solution offer tangible repair for both?
Community Compass • Lesson 2: Conflict Compass Role-Play Cards Next: Lesson 3 Restorative Repair
Restorative Repair Slides Community Compass • Lesson 3
Restorative Practices
Restorative Repair
When an agreement is broken, how do we heal relationships, take true accountability, and welcome everyone back into the circle?
01. Understand
The Ripple Effect
02. Differentiate
Punishment vs Repair
03. Heal
5 Restorative Questions
The Ripple Effect of Harm
Actions Extend Beyond Two People
Ring 1: Center
The Individual
The person directly targeted feels hurt, disrespected, unsafe, or unable to focus on learning.
"I don't feel secure speaking up."
Ring 2: Witnesses
Bystanders & Peers
Peers who see conflict wonder if they might be next. Classroom trust and ease begin to erode.
"The vibe in the room feels tense."
Ring 3: Culture
The Whole Classroom
Learning stops, energy is drained, and community agreements start feeling like empty words.
"We can't get our best work done."
Key Insight: Repairing harm is not just apologizing to one peer—it restores the health of the entire room.
Punishment vs. Restorative Repair
Two Different Paths
Traditional Punishment
• Asks: "What rule was broken and who did it?"
• Imposes an unrelated penalty (detention, lost recess)
• Leaves the hurt person unhealed and isolated
Result: Resentment, shame, and repeated behavior.
Restorative Repair
• Asks: "Who was hurt and what are their needs?"
• Requires meaningful action to fix what broke
• Rebuilds trust and keeps connection intact
Result: Growth, empathy, and genuine accountability.
Remember: Being held accountable is an act of care, not revenge.
The 5 Restorative Questions
Guiding the Conversation
1
What happened? (Tell the facts without excuses)
2
What were you thinking and feeling at the time? (Identify internal drivers)
3
Who has been affected, and in what ways? (Map out the ripples)
4
What has been the hardest thing for you since? (Own personal vulnerability)
Harm Repair Worksheet Community Compass • Lesson 3
Harm Repair Worksheet
Restorative Accountability
Five Restorative Questions
Student Name
Date of Incident
Class Period
1
What happened? (State facts honestly without blaming others)
2
Thoughts & Feelings Check
What was I thinking/feeling right then?
What do I think and feel about it now?
3
Who was affected, and how did it impact them?
Directly affected person(s) & impact:
Impact on the classroom or peers:
4
My Action Plan to Make Things Right
Specific repair actions I will take (words, actions, replacement, or support):
Next time I feel the same trigger, my replacement strategy will be:
Restorative Agreement Confirmation Check-in Date: ________________
Student Signature
Circle Keeper / Facilitator Signature
Circle Keeper Teacher Guide Teacher Resource • Lesson 3 of 3
Circle Keeper Teacher Guide
Restorative Practice
Circle Keeping Protocols
Purpose
Establish a safe container for dialogue, empathy, and collective problem-solving.
The Talking Piece
A tangible object (stone, soft item, mascot) that signals who has the floor.
Facilitator Stance
Keeper holds the space as a participant-guide, not an authoritarian judge.
The Four Sacred Circle Guidelines
1. Speak from the Heart
Share your authentic experience and feelings honestly, without pretense.
2. Listen with Respect
Listen to understand rather than to prepare a counter-argument.
3. Honor Confidentiality
Personal stories shared in circle stay in the room; lessons leave with us.
4. Right to Pass
Students may hold the talking piece in silence or pass it to their neighbor.
Step-by-Step Circle Flow
1. Opening Ritual & Low-Stakes Prompt (5 Mins) Clockwise pass
"Welcome to our circle. Let's ground ourselves with a deep breath." Send the talking piece around with an accessible check-in: "On a scale of 1-10, what's your internal weather today and why?" or "One word that describes your energy."
2. Responsive Restorative Dialogue (15-20 Mins) Problem-solving
When addressing conflict or tension, introduce the issue neutrally without naming individuals: "Lately, group work materials have been mistreated and several peers felt excluded. Let's pass the talking piece: How has this affected you, and what needs to happen to get back on track?"
3. Action Commitments & Closing (5 Mins) Consensus check
Summarize agreements: "I heard that we will ask before borrowing and clean supplies together. Does anyone disagree?" Close with a unified gesture: a synchronous breath, clapping rhythm, or affirmation statement.
Post-Circle Accountability Checklist:
Schedule check-in within 48-72 hours to verify agreed repair actions.
Log agreements in the classroom community binder for ongoing tracking.
Community Compass • Lesson 3: Circle Keeper Facilitation Guide Sequence Complete • Sustaining Classroom Harmony
