When delivering content that can sometimes be sensitive, uncomfortable, or just unfamiliar, it is important to come up with shared expectations or group agreements about how everyone will behave and interact when participating. Set aside time to establish these expectations collaboratively as a class before beginning to deliver the program. This will set the tone and positive mindset for students when participating in the Open Parachute lessons throughout the year. Although you have probably established general classroom expectations with your students at the start of the year, it’s important to emphasize the importance of active listening, trust, and confidentiality during these mental health and wellness lessons. The focus of these norms is to foster a sense of community and to establish mutual respect.
Examples of Possible Classroom Norms:
"We will actively listen when others are speaking and sharing."
"We respect everyone’s unique thoughts, feelings, and experiences."
"What is said in class, stays in class."
Set 3-5 classroom norms, and write them to reference throughout the year. This should be a living document that can be revisited or even rewritten at any time, depending on classroom needs.
Once these norms are established and agreed upon as a class, they can be written down and posted in the classroom for reference. Students can even sign the bottom of these established classroom norms to pledge to follow them throughout the school year.
Note: Open Parachute also provides a lesson titled “Setting Class Boundaries” in the Well-being Foundation section, Student Introduction subsection of the platform. This lesson is available for all ages and was created to establish norms and boundaries at the beginning of the school year. You can utilize this lesson to establish and maintain a safe classroom environment before implementing the Open Parachute curriculum. See our help article Student Introduction for more information.