Lesson: Setting Up Class Rules and Expectations

Objective: By the end of this lesson, students will be able to collaboratively establish class rules and expectations, and understand appropriate consequences for not following the rules.

Materials: - Chart paper or whiteboard - Markers or whiteboard markers - Index cards or small pieces of paper - Class rules and expectations template (optional)

Procedure:

1. Introduction (5 minutes):
   • Begin the lesson by explaining the importance of having class rules and expectations.
   • Discuss how having clear rules helps create a positive and productive learning environment.
   • Emphasize that rules are not meant to be restrictive, but rather to ensure everyone’s safety, respect, and success.
2. Brainstorming Rules (10 minutes):
   • Ask students to share their ideas about what rules and expectations they think should be in place for a successful classroom.
   • Write their suggestions on the chart paper or whiteboard.
   • Encourage students to think about rules related to behavior, participation, respect, and responsibility.
3. Group Discussion (10 minutes):
   • Divide the class into small groups of 3-4 students.
   • Provide each group with index cards or small pieces of paper.
   • Instruct the groups to discuss and write down their top 3-5 rules and expectations for the class.
   • Encourage them to consider the ideas shared during the brainstorming session.
4. Sharing and Consolidation (10 minutes):
   • Ask each group to share their rules and expectations with the whole class.
   • Write down the common rules on the chart paper or whiteboard.
   • Facilitate a class discussion to clarify any misunderstandings or conflicts between the suggested rules.
   • Help the class reach a consensus on the final set of class rules and expectations.
5. Consequences for Not Following Rules (15 minutes):
   • Explain to the students that it is important to have consequences for not following the established rules.
   • Discuss the purpose of consequences, which is to help students understand the impact of their actions and encourage them to make better choices.
   • Brainstorm examples of appropriate consequences for breaking the class rules.
   • Write down the consequences on the chart paper or whiteboard.
   • Ensure that the consequences are fair, consistent, and related to the rule being broken.
6. Role-Play Activity (15 minutes):
   • Divide the class into pairs.
   • Assign each pair a specific rule to focus on.
   • Instruct the pairs to create a short role-play scenario where one student follows the rule, and the other student breaks it.
   • Encourage them to demonstrate appropriate consequences for breaking the rule.
   • Allow each pair to perform their role-play in front of the class.
   • After each performance, facilitate a brief discussion about the consequences shown and their effectiveness.
7. Conclusion (5 minutes):
   • Summarize the main points discussed during the lesson.
   • Remind students that rules and expectations are essential for a positive learning environment.
   • Emphasize that consequences are meant to be fair and help students learn from their mistakes.
   • Thank the students for their active participation and engagement.

Extension Activity: - Ask students to create posters or visual representations of the class rules and expectations to display in the classroom. - Encourage students to reflect on the importance of following rules in other areas of their lives, such as at home, in sports, or in the community.