Our Class Our Rules Lesson Plan
Our Class, Our Rules
Building a community of respect and responsibility
Time: 30 Minutes
Grade: 2nd Grade
Goal: Ownership & Understanding
Why This Matters
Establishing rules together builds ownership, promotes consistency, and creates a positive learning environment where 2nd graders feel responsible and safe.
Preparation
- Print and cut all cards from Classroom Rules Scenario Cards.
- Print one Rules Reflection Worksheet per student.
- Set up chart paper and markers using the Classroom Rules Chart Template.
- Review lesson plan and familiarize yourself with each activity.
Materials Needed
- Chart Paper & Markers
- Sticky Notes
- Chart Template
- Scenario Cards
- Reflection Worksheets
Instructional Sequence
1. Introduction & Discussion
5 MIN
Greet students and introduce today’s goal: creating class rules together.
- Ask: "What is a rule? Why do we need rules in our classroom?"
- Record key ideas on the board to refer back to.
2. Brainstorm Classroom Rules
10 MIN
Display a blank chart using the Classroom Rules Chart Template.
- Prompt students to suggest rules; write each idea in student voice.
- Encourage positive framing (e.g., "We will raise our hand to speak").
- Group similar suggestions to avoid duplicates.
3. Finalize Class Rules
5 MIN
Review the combined list; read each rule aloud and clarify meaning.
- Give each student a sticky note to vote for their top five rules.
- Count votes and identify the five most popular rules.
- Rewrite the top five rules neatly on chart paper in positive statements.
4. Practice Through Scenarios
7 MIN
Divide students into small groups and distribute Scenario Cards.
- In groups, students read each scenario and decide which class rule applies.
- Invite one representative per group to share a scenario and explain the matching rule.
5. Reflect & Commit
3 MIN
Hand out the Rules Reflection Worksheet.
- Students write one rule they promise to follow and describe how they’ll remember it.
- Collect worksheets or display them as a classroom commitment wall.
Our Class Rules Slides
Our Class, Our Rules
Grade 2 • 30 Minutes
A collaborative lesson on creating our classroom expectations.
Teacher Notes: Welcome students! Introduce today’s lesson: creating our classroom rules together.
Today's Objectives
Collaborate to brainstorm classroom rules
Vote to select our top five rules
Practice applying rules through scenarios
Reflect and commit to following our rules
Teacher Notes: Read each objective aloud and check for understanding.
What Is a Rule?
Think about it...
- What is a rule?
- Why do we need rules in our classroom?
Teacher Notes: Ask the questions, record answers on the board, and refer back to them.
Brainstorm Rules
Use the chart to list as many rules as you can.
Pro Tip: Stay Positive!
Example: "We will raise our hand to speak" rather than "Don't shout out."
Teacher Notes: Display the blank chart. Invite students to suggest rules in their own words.
Vote for Top Rules
Each student gets 5 sticky notes.
Place one note on each of your favorite rules.
We’ll count votes to choose our top five!
Teacher Notes: Hand out sticky notes. Tally votes to identify the top five.
Our Top 5 Rules
1. _________________________________________________
2. _________________________________________________
3. _________________________________________________
4. _________________________________________________
5. _________________________________________________
Teacher Notes: Fill in the blanks with the five rules that received the most votes.
Scenario Practice
In your groups, read each scenario card.
Decide which class rule applies.
Be ready to share your matches!
Teacher Notes: Divide students into small groups and give each group scenario cards.
Share Your Work
Group representatives,
please read your scenario and explain
which rule matches and why.
Teacher Notes: Call on one representative from each group to share.
Reflect & Commit
On your worksheet:
- Write one rule you promise to follow.
Classroom Rules Scenario Cards
Classroom Rules Scenario Cards
Cut along the dashed lines. Use these cards in small groups to match scenarios to class rules.
CARD 1
You are coloring quietly at your desk when your friend starts talking loudly. What rule helps you in this situation?
CARD 2
Your teacher is explaining a math problem, but someone keeps calling out answers without raising their hand. What rule applies here?
CARD 3
You finish your worksheet early and want to move around the room, but you remember our rule about staying in your seat. Which rule is that?
CARD 4
A classmate drops their books in the hallway and you see them struggle to pick them up. What rule about caring for others could you follow?
CARD 5
You spill your juice near a classmate’s work. Which rule reminds you to clean up and keep our space neat?
CARD 6
It’s time to pack up, but someone is still talking and distracting others. Which rule will help everyone get ready for the end of the day?
CARD 7
During reading time, you notice a friend looking lost and confused. Which rule encourages you to be helpful and kind?
CARD 8
A visitor comes into the classroom and you remember the rule about how we use our inside voices. Which rule should you use now?
CARD 9
While working in a group, one student takes all the supplies without asking. Which rule reminds us to share materials fairly?
CARD 10
A student enters the room after the bell rings. What rule helps everyone start on time?
