Expectations: Building a Positive Community

Patricia Bailey

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Engage high school students in understanding and analyzing the importance of setting and following expectations in various aspects of life, including personal, academic, and professional settings.

This lesson promotes critical thinking and self-reflection, helping students appreciate how expectations shape behavior, relationships, and community dynamics in both school and future real-world scenarios.

Audience

High School Students

Time

45 minutes

Approach

Group discussions, case studies, and reflective activities.

Materials

Lesson Plan, Slide Deck, and Role-Playing Expectations

Prep

Prepare Materials and Discussion Prompts

10 minutes

Review the updated materials for high school relevance, including discussion questions and case study examples.
Ensure the Slide Deck is projected and accessible to all students.
Prepare discussion prompts that relate to students' personal experiences and future expectations.

Step 1

Introduction and Context Setting

10 minutes

Begin with a brief overview of the lesson objectives.
Ask students to share examples where setting expectations (e.g., rules, guidelines) influenced their actions or decisions.
Highlight how clear expectations can foster respect and growth in various environments.

Step 2

Group Discussion and Case Study

15 minutes

Divide students into small groups and provide a case study on expectations in different settings (e.g., school, workplace, community).
Each group discusses the case, identifying the benefits and challenges of having well-set expectations.
Groups share their insights with the class.

Step 3

Reflective Activity and Role-Playing

15 minutes

Engage students in a role-playing activity, using scenarios adapted for older students (e.g., resolving a conflict or setting mutual expectations for a group project).
Encourage students to reflect on their experiences by sharing what worked, what didn’t, and how the outcomes could be improved.
Use the Role-Playing Expectations material as a guide.

Slide Deck

Welcome!

Today we explore how setting expectations builds a positive community.

Introduce the lesson by explaining that expectations are not just rules, but tools for building a respectful community. Encourage students to think of examples from their own experiences.

What are Expectations?

Expectations are agreed-upon guidelines that shape our actions and interactions. They help maintain respect, order, and trust.

Dive into a clear explanation of what expectations mean in different contexts. Ask students for examples where expectations guided behavior at school or work.

Why Follow Expectations?

Following expectations fosters accountability, enhances teamwork, and creates a safe, respectful environment.

Discuss how following expectations benefits individuals and the community. Provide a case study or example, such as team work in a group project.

Consequences of Failing to Meet Expectations

Neglected expectations can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, and a breakdown of trust within a community.

Present a slide focusing on the impact of unmet expectations. Encourage students to think critically by sharing a scenario where failing to set expectations caused issues.

Building Our Community

Clear expectations lead to better relationships, stronger communities, and success in both school and the real world.

Wrap up by summarizing the key points. Ask students to reflect on how they can contribute to a positive community by setting and following expectations.

Activity

Role-Playing Expectations Activity

In this role-playing activity, high school students will engage in realistic scenarios where setting and following expectations is crucial. These scenarios might involve group project dynamics, setting mutual expectations in team sports, or addressing workplace-like situations.

Activity Steps

Scenario Introduction
- Explain to students that they will participate in short role-playing scenarios that mirror real-life situations. Emphasize that the goal is to practice establishing clear expectations and addressing situations where expectations are either met or violated.
Demonstration
- Select a volunteer or a small group of students to model a scenario. For example, role-play a conversation between teammates discussing expectations for a class project. Highlight effective communication, clarity in roles, and the importance of each member's contribution.
Student Role-Play
- Divide the class into small groups. Assign each group a scenario such as:
  a. A group project where team members must define their roles and deadlines.
  b. A workplace internship situation where an employee clarifies expectations with their supervisor.
  c. A conflict resolution scenario where two peers negotiate boundaries and responsibilities.
- Provide guiding questions, such as: "What expectations need to be set?" and "How can you address a situation where someone's not meeting the expectations?"
- Allow each group time to prepare and then perform their role-play scenario in front of the class.
Discussion and Feedback
- After each performance, lead a class discussion. Ask reflective questions like: "What strategies did you use to set clear expectations?" and "How did following or failing to meet those expectations impact the outcome?"
- Encourage constructive feedback from peers and emphasize the value of clear communication and mutual accountability in fostering a positive community.

Follow-Up Points

Reflective Journaling: Ask students to write a brief reflection on what they learned from the role-play. Questions might include: "How can you apply the lessons learned today to your own group work or future job environments?"
Real-World Connections: Discuss examples from current events or personal experiences where clear expectations made a difference in outcomes.
Revisiting the Topic: Schedule follow-up discussions or additional role-playing sessions throughout the semester to reinforce the importance of setting and following expectations.

Remember: Effective communication and clear expectations are key to building trust and a strong community, both in school and in future endeavors.