Follow the Rules

1. Gather students in the reading area. Ask students to take 30 seconds to think about what rules are. Have them share with an “elbow buddy”. After about 30 seconds of sharing, ask for volunteers to share responses.
2. Next, ask students to think for another 30 seconds and share their response to the following question: what would happen if there were no rules? Repeat the same process from step 1.
3. On a chart paper, write the word rule. Write a kid-friendly definition. Explain to students that rules carry positive effects (outcomes) if followed or negative effects if not followed. Give the example: if you keep your shoes tied, you will remain safe while playing. If your shoes are untied, you are more likely to trip and fall. Ask students to think of other rules that could have a positive (good) or negative (bad) effect (outcome) if the rule is not followed.
4. Create a two-column t-chart. In the first column write ACTION/CAUSE and in the second column write EFFECT. Explain to students that they will listen to the story What If Everybody Did That? by Ellen Javernick. Tell students to think about the action of the main character. This will also serve as the “cause”.  Encourage students to use the pictures to give clues of the effects. Continue until the end of the book.
5. Connect the story to co-creating class rules. Pose the question to students: What if everybody raised their hand before speaking? Solicit responses. Continue in this fashion by having students brainstorm at least five class rules (norms) that will keep everyone safe and help each class member to learn. Discuss with students the negative effects (consequences) of not following the class rules also.
6. Create a class poster entitled: “Our Class Does This: Classroom Rules”. Display prominently in the class and refer to it throughout the school year as needed.

To begin the school year, it is recommended to begin with this standard and indicator to align itself with establishing norms (rules/laws) as a learning community. Engaging students in co-creating classroom norms (rules) will develop background knowledge later when teaching the remaining indicators in the standard.

Co-created classroom rules.