🎓 Learning Goals

Objectives

  • Define the terms "rule" and "law" with 90% accuracy.
  • Identify at least 3 examples of rules at home/school versus laws in the community.
  • Explain why rules and laws are created to keep people safe and ensure fairness.
  • Create a visual representation distinguishing a private rule from a public law.

Essential Questions

  • "Why do we have rules in our classroom?"
  • "What would happen in our town if there were no laws?"
  • "Who gets to make the rules?"

📋 Lesson Procedure

1

Hook: The Chaos Game

5 min

Tell students we are going to play a game, but don't give them any rules. Let them run/move around confused for 30 seconds. Stop and ask: "Why was that hard? What were we missing?" (Answer: Rules).

2

Direct Instruction: T-Chart

10 min

Create a T-Chart on the board: "Home/School Rules" vs. "Community Laws". Ask students for examples (e.g., Bedtime, Raise Hand vs. Stop at Red Light, Don't Steal). Explain that laws are special rules for everyone, made by the government.

3

Activity: Stand Up, Sit Down

15 min

Read scenarios aloud. If it describes a LAW, students stand up. If it describes a RULE, they sit down. Examples: "Don't chew gum in class" (Rule), "Wear a seatbelt in the car" (Law), "Eat your vegetables" (Rule).

4

Discussion: Consequences

10 min

Ask: "What happens if you break a rule?" (Time out, teacher is sad). "What happens if you break a law?" (Ticket, police, jail). Emphasize that laws are primarily for safety and fairness.

5

Assessment: Drawing

5 min

Students fold a paper in half. On one side draw a Rule (e.g., raising hand), on the other draw a Law (e.g., stop sign).

✅ Assessment

Review student drawings. Successful students will correctly depict a school/home setting on one side and a community/public setting on the other.