Activity Overview
*This activity is especially useful at the beginning of the school year*
The Mayflower Compact is arguably one of the most influential documents for the Founding Fathers drew upon it as they drafted the U.S. Constitution. The Compact emphasized important agreements with the settlers, including cooperation, consensus, allegiance, and a common belief system. Have your students (in groups, or as individuals) create their own Mayflower Compact for the school year. Have them include:
- Their allegiance
- Their purpose in setting goals
- Their goals
- Who will enforce or enact these goals
- Their redress in case goals are not met
After they have crafted their own Mayflower Compacts, have them storyboard the above portions of their writing.
Example Adaptation of the Mayflower Compact
We, whose names are underwritten, the loyal subjects of Mr. Diamond, by the Grace of Principal Long, of USA High School.
Having undertaken, for the glory of our success in this class, and advancement to the next grade, a voyage on the school bus to this classroom, do by these presents, solemnly and mutually, in the presence of Mr. Diamond, and one another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a group called The Sovereigns. We set forth our goals of academic achievement on quizzes and tests, teamwork on presentations and in-class assignments, and mutual support for each other as a group. We pledge to SnapChat, email, or text each other to remind ourselves of major assignments; to provide a study group hour at least once a week after school to go over important material before tests and quizzes; and to make sure we support each other positively in class. This is all for the general good of our class and our group, unto which we promise our submission and obedience, with the final say from Mr. Diamond. If we do not meet these goals, we agree to add an additional hour each week to our study group, and to set up an email system that begins with our parents.
In witness whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names at USA High School on the 14th of September, in the year of the reign of our sovereign Principal Long, of USA High School, 2016.
Elias WestlakeFrederick TaylorShawna SmithMyrna Martinez
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Fill in the headings, including: our allegiance, our purpose in setting goals, goals, who will enforce these goals, and redress for missed goals.
- Explain and elaborate on each of these in the descriptions.
- Add images using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
*This activity is especially useful at the beginning of the school year*
The Mayflower Compact is arguably one of the most influential documents for the Founding Fathers drew upon it as they drafted the U.S. Constitution. The Compact emphasized important agreements with the settlers, including cooperation, consensus, allegiance, and a common belief system. Have your students (in groups, or as individuals) create their own Mayflower Compact for the school year. Have them include:
- Their allegiance
- Their purpose in setting goals
- Their goals
- Who will enforce or enact these goals
- Their redress in case goals are not met
After they have crafted their own Mayflower Compacts, have them storyboard the above portions of their writing.
Example Adaptation of the Mayflower Compact
We, whose names are underwritten, the loyal subjects of Mr. Diamond, by the Grace of Principal Long, of USA High School.
Having undertaken, for the glory of our success in this class, and advancement to the next grade, a voyage on the school bus to this classroom, do by these presents, solemnly and mutually, in the presence of Mr. Diamond, and one another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a group called The Sovereigns. We set forth our goals of academic achievement on quizzes and tests, teamwork on presentations and in-class assignments, and mutual support for each other as a group. We pledge to SnapChat, email, or text each other to remind ourselves of major assignments; to provide a study group hour at least once a week after school to go over important material before tests and quizzes; and to make sure we support each other positively in class. This is all for the general good of our class and our group, unto which we promise our submission and obedience, with the final say from Mr. Diamond. If we do not meet these goals, we agree to add an additional hour each week to our study group, and to set up an email system that begins with our parents.
In witness whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names at USA High School on the 14th of September, in the year of the reign of our sovereign Principal Long, of USA High School, 2016.
Elias WestlakeFrederick TaylorShawna SmithMyrna Martinez
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Fill in the headings, including: our allegiance, our purpose in setting goals, goals, who will enforce these goals, and redress for missed goals.
- Explain and elaborate on each of these in the descriptions.
- Add images using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Make a Classroom Version of the Mayflower Compact
Introduce your classroom Mayflower Compact with a meaningful ceremony
Set the stage for your students to take their Compact seriously by organizing a brief, respectful signing ceremony. This helps students feel a sense of ownership and importance about their agreements, building community from the start.
Display the class compact in a visible spot
Hang the signed Compact on a classroom wall or bulletin board. Visibility reinforces commitment and reminds students daily of their shared goals and promises.
Review the compact together regularly
Schedule quick, routine check-ins—weekly or monthly—to discuss progress and whether everyone is upholding their commitments. This keeps the Compact active, not forgotten.
Encourage students to reflect and revise as needed
Ask students to reflect on what's working and what isn't. Allow updates to the Compact so it stays relevant and meaningful throughout the year.
Celebrate successes tied to your compact
Recognize and celebrate when the class meets or exceeds goals outlined in the Compact. Positive reinforcement builds morale and deepens the sense of community.
Frequently Asked Questions about Make a Classroom Version of the Mayflower Compact
What is a classroom version of the Mayflower Compact?
A classroom version of the Mayflower Compact is a collaborative agreement created by students outlining shared goals, responsibilities, and rules for the school year, inspired by the original 1620 Mayflower Compact. It helps promote cooperation, consensus, and accountability among classmates.
How can I help my students create their own Mayflower Compact?
Guide students to draft a classroom compact by having them discuss and write sections on their allegiance, purpose for setting goals, clear goals, who will enforce the goals, and what happens if goals aren’t met. Encourage detailed explanations and creative storyboarding for each part.
Why is making a modern Mayflower Compact useful at the start of the school year?
Creating a modern Mayflower Compact at the start of the year builds a sense of community, clarifies expectations, and encourages student ownership of classroom norms, setting a positive tone for cooperation and accountability.
What key elements should be included in a classroom Mayflower Compact?
A classroom Mayflower Compact should include: allegiance (who or what students are committed to), purpose for setting goals, the goals themselves, enforcement (who upholds the agreement), and redress (actions if goals are missed).
Can you give examples of goals for a classroom Mayflower Compact?
Examples of goals include: academic achievement on tests and quizzes, teamwork on assignments, mutual support for classmates, regular study sessions, and consistent communication about assignments.
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