Lesson Plan
Every Space, Our Rules
Students will learn and practice clear behavioral expectations for the classroom, hallway, cafeteria, and playground through discussion and scenario-based activities to reinforce respectful, safe school routines.
Establishing consistent expectations across all school spaces builds a positive culture, ensures student safety, and promotes respect for peers and staff.
Audience
5th Grade
Time
15 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion with scenario practice.
Prep
Prepare Materials
5 minutes
- Print and display the Behavior Expectations Poster.
- Cut and shuffle the Space Rules Scenario Cards.
- Make enough copies of the Space Rules Reflection Worksheet for each student.
- Review all materials to ensure smooth transitions during the 15-minute lesson.
Step 1
Warm-Up
3 minutes
- Gather students on the carpet or in a circle.
- Ask: “What different spaces do we use at school?” (Classroom, hallway, cafeteria, playground.)
- Introduce today’s goal: learn rules for each space using our Behavior Expectations Poster.
Step 2
Instruction
4 minutes
- Display the poster and point to each space icon.
- For each space, ask students to share one expected behavior (e.g., “Walk calmly in the hallway”).
- Confirm and summarize key expectations for classroom, hallway, cafeteria, and playground.
Step 3
Activity
5 minutes
- Pair students and give each pair 2–3 Space Rules Scenario Cards.
- In pairs, students read a scenario and decide if it follows expectations or not.
- Ask pairs to share one scenario and their response with the class.
Step 4
Cool-Down
3 minutes
- Distribute the Space Rules Reflection Worksheet.
- Students write one new rule they’ll follow in any school space.
- Collect worksheets as exit tickets to review understanding.
Slide Deck
Every Space, Our Rules
A 15-minute lesson to learn behavior expectations for our classroom, hallway, cafeteria, and playground.
Welcome, everyone! Today we’ll learn and practice our behavior expectations for every school space. Let’s get started.
Warm-Up: School Spaces
What spaces do we use at school?
• Classroom
• Hallway
• Cafeteria
• Playground
Gather students on the carpet or in a circle. Ask them to name the spaces they use at school. Record responses on a chart or whiteboard.
Behavior Expectations
Refer to the Behavior Expectations Poster.
For each space, share one expected behavior:
• Classroom
• Hallway
• Cafeteria
• Playground
Display the Behavior Expectations Poster. Point to each icon and ask students to share one rule for that space. Confirm and summarize their answers.
Scenario Practice
- Pair up.
- Take 2–3 Space Rules Scenario Cards.
- Read each scenario and decide:
• Follows expectations?
• Does not follow expectations? - Be ready to share one scenario and your response.
Pair students and distribute the scenario cards. Circulate as pairs discuss if each behavior follows our expectations. After a few minutes, invite pairs to share one scenario and their decision.
Reflection & Exit Ticket
Complete the Space Rules Reflection Worksheet:
• Write one new rule you will follow in any school space.
Turn in your worksheet before you leave.
Hand out each student a reflection worksheet. Have them write one new rule they’ll follow in any school space. Collect as exit tickets to check understanding.
Key Takeaways
• Always be respectful and safe.
• Follow our rules in each space.
• Help make our school a positive place!
Briefly review the three key takeaways and thank students for their participation. Remind them to practice these rules today and every day!
Activity
Space Rules Scenario Cards
Use these scenario cards to decide if each behavior follows our school expectations. Pair up, read the scenario, and decide:
- Does it follow expectations? Why or why not?
- Which rule does it show or break?
Classroom Scenarios
-
Sarah calls out an answer without raising her hand when the teacher asks a question.
-
Miguel quietly works on his math worksheet and raises his hand when he needs help.
Hallway Scenarios
-
Aaliyah walks calmly on the right side of the hallway, keeping her voice low and her hands to herself.
-
Jamal runs past his friends in the hallway, bumping into lockers and shouting.
Cafeteria Scenarios
-
Zoe lines up quietly, moves slowly through the lunch line, and uses a “please” and “thank you” with the lunch staff.
-
Leo throws food at his friends across the table and leaves his tray on the floor.
Playground Scenarios
-
Nadia waits her turn on the slide, keeps her hands to herself, and helps a friend get down safely.
-
Ethan climbs on top of the monkey bars while others are swinging below and pushes to get ahead in line.
Worksheet
Space Rules Reflection Worksheet
Think about the school spaces and the rules we discussed. Use this worksheet to reflect and write one new rule you will follow.
-
Which space will you use this rule in? (Circle one)
Classroom Hallway Cafeteria Playground
-
Write one new rule you will follow in this space:
-
Why is this rule important? Explain how it helps you and your classmates:
Turn in this worksheet as your exit ticket before you leave.
Reading
Behavior Expectations Poster
Help students remember our top expectations in every school space!
Classroom 🎒
- Raise your hand before speaking ✅
- Listen quietly when others talk 👂
- Keep your desk and materials organized ✏️
Hallway 🏫
- Walk calmly on the right side 🚶♂️
- Use quiet voices 🤫
- Keep hands and feet to yourself 🙌
Cafeteria 🍽️
- Line up quietly and wait your turn 🧍
- Use polite words: “please” and “thank you” 🙏
- Throw away trash and push in your chair 🗑️
Playground 🛝
- Take turns and share equipment 🤝
- Use playground equipment safely 🧗♀️
- Include others and play fair ⚽