Lesson 185: Rules and why we need them

🟡 SOCIAL STUDIES (40 Lessons) • 🟣 D. Responsibility and Citizenship

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Objective

I can tell what a rule is, give simple rule examples at home or school, and explain how rules help keep people safe, fair, and calm.

Materials

Mini-lesson — What are rules?

A rule is a shared guide for how to act in a place. Rules tell us what is okay to do and what is not okay in that space.

Where we find rules

  • At home, there might be rules about bedtimes, screens, or toys.
  • At school, there might be rules about listening and taking turns.
  • In public places, there might be rules about lines or safety.

Why we need rules

  • Rules help keep people safe (for example, "Walk, do not run" inside).
  • Rules help things be fair (for example, "Take turns" with toys).
  • Rules help spaces feel calm and not wild.

Good rules vs. bossy rules

  • Good rules are made to help everyone, not just one person.
  • Good rules are clear and can be explained with a simple reason.
  • Bossy rules are only about one person getting their own way.

Examples of simple rules

  • "Use kind words."
  • "Listen when someone is speaking."
  • "Put things back when you are finished."

In this lesson, we do not talk about heavy punishments. We focus on kind reasons for simple rules that help everyone.

Picture strip: Rules and reasons

Guided Practice — Rule and reason chart

You will make a small chart with rules and reasons.

  1. Draw a big rectangle on your page and split it into two columns. At the top of the left column write or trace "Rule". At the top of the right column write or trace "Why?".
  2. With an adult, choose three simple rules you know (home or school). For example, "Use kind words." or "Put toys away."
  3. In the left column, write or trace one rule in each row.
  4. In the right column, write a kind reason for each rule. For example, "So people do not get hurt" or "So the room stays safe."
  5. Circle any reasons that talk about being safe, fair, or calm.
  6. Under the chart, write or trace this sentence: "Rules help everyone."
  7. Read your rules and reasons aloud to an adult. Ask them if they want to add one more rule and reason together.
Tracing Pad
Tracing snapshot for print
Tip: Say a full sentence as you trace, such as "Rules help us stay safe and fair."

Practice — Talk about rules and reasons

Use your home or classroom rules to talk about how rules help.

  1. With an adult, look at a few rules you already have (for example, on a poster or just spoken).
  2. For each rule, say the rule and then say the reason. For example, "Use kind words so feelings do not get hurt."
  3. Talk about how you feel when everyone follows the rules (for example, safe, calm, or happy).
  4. Talk about what you can do if you forget a rule (for example, say sorry, try again, or ask for help).
  5. At the end, say one rule that feels extra important to you and one kind reason for it.

Quick Check — Rules and why we need them

Answer each question about rules and reasons. These questions check simple ideas only.

1) What is a rule?

A rule is a guide that everyone is asked to follow.

2) Which is a rule?

Rules help keep places safe and kind.

3) Why do we have rules at school?

School rules are meant to help everyone.

4) Which rule helps keep people safe?

Walking and using the handrail helps prevent falls.

5) Which rule helps things be fair?

Taking turns helps everyone have a chance.

6) Where might you see rules?

Many places have rules to keep people safe and kind.

7) Which sentence shows a good reason for a rule?

Good rules have clear, kind reasons.

8) What can you do if you forget a rule?

We can fix mistakes and try again.

9) How do rules help a classroom feel?

Good rules help classrooms feel safe and calm.

10) Which sentence is a kind way to talk about rules?

We remember that rules are meant to help us too.

Assessment (parent/teacher)

Exit ticket (student)

Next time I will practise…

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