Day 1 Lesson Plan Why Rules Rule Behavior Blueprint
Day 1: Why Rules Rule!
Lesson Plan
Duration
30 Minutes
Audience
6th Grade Students
Approach
Interactive Discussion
The "Why"
Understanding the 'why' behind rules helps students internalize their importance and fosters a sense of shared responsibility, leading to improved classroom behavior and a more productive learning space for everyone.
Objective
Students will be able to identify the purpose of classroom rules and explain how they contribute to a positive learning environment.
Materials List
Day 1 Slide Deck & Script
Why Rules Rule! Warm-Up
Classroom Contract Activity
Good Vibe Guide Cool-Down
Preparation (10 minutes)
1 Review the Day 1 Lesson Plan, Slide Deck, and Script to familiarize yourself with the content and flow.
2 Print copies of the Classroom Contract Activity (one per small group) and Warm-Up/Cool-Downs (one per student).
3 Set up technology to project the Day 1 Slide Deck.
Instructional Sequence
5 Min
Warm-Up: Why Rules Rule!
1. Begin the lesson by distributing the Why Rules Rule! Warm-Up to students.
2. Instruct students to individually respond to the prompt: "Imagine a game with no rules. What would it be like?"
3. After 2-3 minutes, ask a few students to share their responses with the class. Use these responses to bridge into the concept of rules in a classroom setting.
5 Min
Introduction to Classroom Behavior
1. Using the Day 1 Slide Deck (Slides 1-2) and Day 1 Script , introduce the topic of classroom behavior and why it's important.
2. Facilitate a brief discussion using guiding questions from the script about the benefits of having clear expectations (Fairness, Safety, Learning, Respect).
15 Min
Activity: Classroom Contract
1. Divide students into small groups (3-4 students per group).
2. Distribute the Classroom Contract Activity worksheet to each group.
3. Explain that each group will brainstorm and write down 3-5 essential rules they believe are important for a positive classroom environment, along with a brief explanation for each rule.
4. Circulate among groups, providing guidance and facilitating discussion.
5. After 10 minutes, bring the class back together and have each group share one rule and its justification. Record common themes on the board.
5 Min
Cool-Down: Good Vibe Guide
1. Distribute the Good Vibe Guide Cool-Down .
2. Ask students to reflect on today's discussion and write down one thing they learned about why rules are important for a positive classroom.
3. Collect the cool-downs as an exit ticket.
Day 1 Slides Why Rules Rule Day 1
Behavior Blueprint
"Understanding why we have rules is the first step to a great classroom!"
Why Do We Need Rules?
Fairness
Everyone gets an equal chance to succeed.
Safety
Keeping ourselves and our community safe.
Learning
Creating the best environment to grow.
Respect
Showing consideration for everyone.
Our Classroom, Our Contract
"Work together to create rules that help our classroom be the best place to learn!"
Brainstorm with your Group
Pick 3-5 Vital Rules
Explain the "Why"
Sharing Our Rules
What rules did your group come up with?
Teacher: Record common themes on the board as groups present.
Day 1 Script Why Rules Rule Teacher Facilitation Script
Day 1: Why Rules Rule!
Script
Guide: Italicized text in parentheses provides instructions or visual cues. "Text in quotes" is your spoken script.
1
Warm-Up: Imagine No Rules (5 Min)
Teacher Action
Distribute the Why Rules Rule! Warm-Up worksheet.
Say
"Good morning/afternoon, everyone! To kick things off today, I want you to imagine something a little wild. On this worksheet, I want you to respond to the prompt: 'Imagine a game with no rules. What would it be like?' Think about how it would feel, what would happen, and if it would even be fun. Take about 2-3 minutes to jot down your thoughts."
Teacher Action
Allow 2-3 minutes for writing. Then facilitate sharing.
Say
"Alright, who would like to share what their rule-less game would be like? What were some of the challenges or frustrations you imagined?"
Transition
"Thank you for those fantastic insights! It sounds like a game without rules could be pretty chaotic, right? Well, just like games, our classroom also benefits from having clear rules and expectations. And that brings us to our lesson today: 'Behavior Blueprint: Why Rules Rule!'"
2
The "Why" Behind the Rules (5 Min)
Visual Cue
Display Slide 1 (Title) and then Slide 2 (Why Do We Need Rules?) .
Say
"Today, we're going to start building our own 'Behavior Blueprint' for a super successful school year. We'll be looking at why rules are not just about telling you what not to do, but actually about helping everyone have the best possible learning experience."
"Take a look at this slide. It lists some key reasons why we have rules, not just in school, but in life! We have rules for fairness , so everyone gets a chance. We have rules for safety , to keep ourselves and others from harm. And crucially, we have rules for learning , to create the absolute best environment where everyone can focus. Finally, rules help us show respect for one another."
3
Activity: Classroom Contract (15 Min)
Visual Cue
Display Slide 3 (Our Classroom, Our Contract) .
Say
"Now that we've talked about why rules are so important, we're going to create our own classroom contract. You'll be working in small groups for this. Each group will receive a
Day 1 Warm Up Why Rules Rule Why Rules Rule!
Warm-Up Activity
Architect (Name)
Date
The Scenario
Imagine a game—any game you know—but this time, there are absolutely no rules . No rules about how to play, how to score, or even how to win or lose.
What would this rule-less game be like? Describe what would happen, how players would feel, and if it would be fun or frustrating.
Bonus Blueprint Question
Why do you think most games do have rules?
Day 1 Activity Classroom Contract Our Classroom Contract
Designing Our Shared Learning Space
Project Team Members
Think about what makes a classroom a great place to learn , feel safe , and be respectful . In your group, brainstorm 3–5 important rules. For each rule, explain why it's important for our learning community.
Rule #1
Why is this rule important?
Rule #2
Why is this rule important?
Rule #3
Why is this rule important?
Rule #4 (Optional)
Why is this rule important?
Rule #5 (Optional)
Why is this rule important?
Building Success
Day 1 Cool Down Good Vibe Guide Good Vibe Guide
Day 1 Reflection Exit Ticket
Architect (Name)
Date
What was your biggest takeaway from today's discussion? Why are rules essential for a positive classroom?
Behavior Blueprint Project Series: Rules Rule
Good Vibe Guide
Day 1 Reflection Exit Ticket
Architect (Name)
Date
What was your biggest takeaway from today's discussion? Why are rules essential for a positive classroom?
Behavior Blueprint Project Series: Rules Rule
Day 2 Lesson Plan Action Not Just Words Behavior Blueprint
Day 2: Action! Not Just Words
Lesson Plan
Duration
30 Minutes
Audience
6th Grade Students
Approach
Scenario Analysis
The "Why"
Practicing appropriate behaviors in various scenarios helps students internalize expectations and build confidence in applying them, preventing disruptive incidents and fostering a proactive approach to classroom management.
Objective
Students will be able to identify and demonstrate specific positive classroom behaviors through scenario-based activities.
Materials List
Day 2 Slide Deck & Script
Behavior Brainstorm Warm-Up
Scenario Showdown Activity Cards
Behavior Buzz Cool-Down
Preparation (10 minutes)
Review the Day 2 Lesson Plan and Script.
Print and cut out the Scenario Showdown Activity cards for group distribution.
Ensure students have their same small groups from Day 1.
Instructional Sequence
5 Min
Warm-Up: Behavior Brainstorm
1. Distribute the Behavior Brainstorm Warm-Up .
2. Ask students to list 3-5 specific actions that demonstrate good classroom behavior.
3. Have a few students share, connecting them to Day 1 rules.
5 Min
Introduction: From Rules to Actions
1. Use Slides 1-3 and the script to review Day 1.
2. Transition to today's focus: how we act to uphold rules. Emphasize that execution is key.
15 Min
Activity: Scenario Showdown
1. Group students and hand out Scenario Showdown Activity cards.
2. Groups discuss appropriate behaviors and specific actions for their scenario.
3. Encourage brief, silent role-plays of the ideal response.
4. After 10 mins, share solutions with the whole class.
5 Min
Cool-Down: Behavior Buzz
1. Distribute the Behavior Buzz Cool-Down .
2. Students select one specific positive behavior to focus on tomorrow.
3. Collect as an exit ticket.
Day 2 Slides Action Not Just Words Day 2
Action! Not Just Words
"Today, we're moving from knowing the rules to doing the right thing!"
Recap: Why Rules Rule!
Yesterday, we identified 4 key reasons for rules:
Fairness
Safety
Learning
Respect
Putting Rules into Action
Rules are only helpful if we actually follow them!
"Today, we'll practice how to show good behavior."
Scenario Showdown!
Your Mission:
Identify the problem
Decide the best behavior
Explain exactly HOW to show it
Sharing Our Solutions
"Let's hear your scenarios and how you decided to act appropriately!"
Day 2 Script Action Not Just Words Teacher Facilitation Script
Day 2: Action! Not Just Words
Script
1
Warm-Up: Behavior Brainstorm (5 Min)
Teacher Action
Distribute the Behavior Brainstorm Warm-Up worksheet.
Say
"Welcome back, everyone! Today we're going to build on our discussion about rules. For your warm-up, I want you to brainstorm and list 3-5 specific actions that demonstrate good classroom behavior. Think about what it looks like and sounds like when someone is behaving appropriately in class. Take about 2-3 minutes."
Teacher Action
After a few minutes, ask students to share. Write key behaviors on the board.
Transition
"Fantastic contributions! You've already got some great ideas about what positive behavior looks like. That leads us perfectly into our lesson for today: 'Action! Not Just Words: Practicing Positive Behavior.'"
2
Introduction: Rules to Actions (5 Min)
Visual Cue
Display Slides 1-2 .
Say
"So, yesterday, we created our 'Behavior Blueprint' by understanding why rules are important for fairness, safety, learning, and respect. But knowing the rules is only half the battle, right? Rules are only helpful if we actually follow them. Today, we're going to focus on the 'action' part. We're going to practice how to show good behavior so when you're in a real-life moment, you'll know exactly what to do."
3
Activity: Scenario Showdown (15 Min)
Visual Cue
Display Slide 4 (Scenario Showdown!) .
Say
"For our main activity today, we're going to have a 'Scenario Showdown'! In your small groups, you'll get a scenario card. Your job is to discuss: What is the problem? What would be the appropriate behavior? And most importantly, how would you show that behavior? Be specific! I'll give you about 10 minutes."
Teacher Action
Allow 10 minutes for group work. Then display Slide 5 (Sharing Our Solutions) .
Say
"Alright, let's hear what solutions your groups came up with! Who wants to share their scenario and how they decided to act appropriately? Remember to tell us how the students in the scenario would show that good behavior."
4
Cool-Down (5 Min)
Say
"You did an awesome job today! To finish up, please fill out this quick 'Behavior Buzz' cool-down. Write down
Day 2 Warm Up Behavior Brainstorm Behavior Brainstorm
Day 2: From Knowledge to Action
Architect (Name)
Date
The Challenge
We talked yesterday about why rules are important. Today, let's think about what good behavior looks and sounds like .
List 3–5 specific actions or behaviors that demonstrate appropriate conduct in our classroom. Be as detailed as you can!
1
2
3
4
5
Think Deeper
Why are these specific actions helpful for everyone in the classroom?
Day 2 Activity Scenario Showdown Scenario Showdown Activity Cards
Cut along the dotted lines
Scenario Card 1
Group Work Gone Wrong
"You are working in a small group on a project. Two of your group members are talking loudly about a video game, laughing, and distracting others, while a third student is quietly trying to do all the work by themselves, looking frustrated."
1. Inappropriate Behaviors?
2. Appropriate behavior for EACH student?
3. Specific actions for the talkers?
4. Specific actions for the frustrated student?
Scenario Card 2
The Interrupting Hand
"Your teacher is explaining a new, complex concept. You have a question, but several other students keep shouting out their questions or comments without raising their hands, making it hard for anyone to follow what the teacher is saying."
1. Inappropriate behaviors occurring?
2. Why wait or raise your hand?
3. Specific actions when you have a question?
4. Teacher's Perspective: Ideal outcome?
Scenario Showdown Activity Cards
Continued
Scenario Card 3
Hallway Hustle
"The bell rings for class, and you are in the hallway heading to your next subject. A few students are running, pushing, and yelling as they make their way down the crowded hall, making it difficult and unsafe for others to walk."
1. Potential consequences?
2. Appropriate hallway behaviors?
3. Specific actions for safety/respect?
4. How does this affect the start of class?
Scenario Card 4
The Unprepared Partner
"You are assigned a partner activity, and your partner doesn't have their materials ready. They keep asking to borrow things from you or from others, disrupting your focus and delaying your work."
1. Problem created by the partner?
2. Appropriate behavior for coming to class?
3. Specific actions to be ready before class?
4. Respectful help/response from the partner?
Day 2 Cool Down Behavior Buzz Behavior Buzz
Day 2 Behavior Commitment
Architect (Name)
Date
My Behavior Focus for tomorrow:
What is one specific positive action you will demonstrate?
Why is this important?
Behavior Blueprint Project Day 2: Action Focus
Behavior Buzz
Day 2 Behavior Commitment
Architect (Name)
Date
My Behavior Focus for tomorrow:
What is one specific positive action you will demonstrate?
Why is this important?
Behavior Blueprint Project Day 2: Action Focus
Day 3 Lesson Plan Our Shared Success Behavior Blueprint
Day 3: Our Shared Success
Lesson Plan
Duration
30 Minutes
Audience
6th Grade Students
Approach
Reflective Communitarian
The "Why"
Recognizing the collective impact of behavior empowers students to take ownership of their actions and contribute positively, fostering a supportive and effective learning community.
Objective
Students will understand how individual behaviors impact the overall classroom community and commit to consistent positive behavior.
Materials List
Day 3 Slide Deck & Script
Community Connection Warm-Up
Our Class, Our Impact Activity
Positive Ripple Cool-Down
Preparation (10 minutes)
Review Day 3 materials to connect the final "Ripple Effect" theme.
Print the Our Class, Our Impact activity for each student.
Prepare to record whole-class community traits on the board.
Instructional Sequence
5 Min
Warm-Up: Community Connection
1. Distribute Community Connection Warm-Up .
2. Students list 2 ways one person's good behavior helps the whole class.
3. Share and link to the concept of Classroom Community .
5 Min
Introduction: The Ripple Effect
1. Recap Days 1 (Why) and 2 (Actions) using Slides 1-2.
2. Use Slide 3 to introduce the Ripple Effect : how one action spreads to everyone.
15 Min
Activity: Our Class, Our Impact
1. Distribute Our Class, Our Impact activity worksheet.
2. Students reflect on their ideal classroom and write down personal commitments (7-8 mins).
3. Whole-class discussion: What does a strong community feel like?
5 Min
Cool-Down: Positive Ripple
1. Distribute Positive Ripple Cool-Down .
2. Final reflection on the student's role in the community.
3. Collect exit tickets.
Day 3 Slides Our Shared Success Day 3
Our Shared Success
"Today, we'll see how your actions build our amazing classroom community!"
Our Behavior Journey
Day 1
Why Rules Rule: Fairness, Safety, Learning, Respect.
Day 2
Action! Putting those rules into practice with specific behaviors.
The Ripple Effect
One person's behavior affects everyone .
Positive actions create a positive environment .
Challenging actions can disrupt the whole class.
Building Together
Every one of us has a role in making our classroom the best place to be.
What kind of community do YOU want to help build?
My Personal Commitment
"What specific positive behaviors will you consistently bring to our classroom to make it a great place for everyone?"
Day 3 Script Our Shared Success Teacher Facilitation Script
Day 3: Our Shared Success
Script
1
Warm-Up: Community Connection (5 Min)
Teacher Action
Distribute the Community Connection Warm-Up worksheet.
Say
"Good morning/afternoon, everyone! For our final day, let's start with a warm-up called 'Community Connection.' On your worksheet, list two ways that good behavior from one person in our class helps everyone else . Think about how we are all connected in this room."
Teacher Action
After 2-3 minutes, facilitate sharing. Write key ideas on the board.
2
Intro: The Ripple Effect (5 Min)
Visual Cue
Display Slides 1-3 .
Say
"Recap: Day 1, we learned 'Why Rules Rule!' Day 2, we practiced 'Action!' by moving from knowing to doing. Today, we bring it together with the 'ripple effect.' Has anyone ever dropped a pebble into a pond? What happens? Exactly—it spreads out. Our behavior is just like that. One small action, positive or challenging, sends out ripples that affect everyone . Positive actions build a positive environment!"
3
Activity: Our Class, Our Impact (15 Min)
Visual Cue
Display Slides 4-5 .
Say
"It's not just my job to make this class great; it's our shared success. I'm handing out a worksheet called Our Class, Our Impact . Reflect on what kind of community you want to build and write down specific commitments you'll make to create those positive ripples. Take 7-8 minutes for reflection."
Follow-up Discussion
"Now, let's talk as a class. What does a strong community feel like? What does it look like? Would anyone like to voluntarily share a commitment they've made?"
4
Cool-Down (5 Min)
Say
"To close out, please fill out this final cool-down, 'Positive Ripple.' Write down one final thought or realization from our entire lesson. Remember, every positive action you take creates a positive ripple! Keep up the great work!"
Day 3 Warm Up Community Connection Community Connection
Day 3: We Are All Connected
Architect (Name)
Date
The Big Idea
Our classroom is a community where we all learn together. Think about how the actions of one person can affect everyone else.
List two specific ways that good behavior from one student helps create a better learning environment for the entire class.
1
2
Ripple Effect Reflection
What happens when many students contribute positive behavior at the same time?
Day 3 Activity Our Class Our Impact Our Class, Our Impact
Building Our Shared Community
Architect Name
Date
Part 1: Reflecting on Our Ideal Classroom
1. Imagine our classroom is the best it can possibly be. What does it LOOK like when everyone is behaving appropriately?
2. What does it SOUND like in this ideal classroom? What do you hear (and what DON'T you hear)?
3. What does it FEEL like to be part of this community as a learner?
Part 2: My Personal Commitment
Thinking about the ideal classroom we just imagined, what specific positive behaviors will YOU commit to demonstrate consistently to build this community?
Commitment 1:
Commitment 2:
Commitment 3:
Why are these commitments important for our shared success?
Blueprint for Success • Shared Impact • Better Together
Day 3 Cool Down Positive Ripple Positive Ripple
Day 3 Final Reflection
Architect (Name)
What is one final thought or realization you have about being part of our classroom community and your role in it?
Behavior Blueprint Complete "Your words create ripples too!"
Positive Ripple
Day 3 Final Reflection
Architect (Name)
What is one final thought or realization you have about being part of our classroom community and your role in it?
Behavior Blueprint Complete "Your words create ripples too!"
