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lenny

Expectations Expedition

candy.shaft

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Classroom Expectations

Students will identify and practice three key classroom expectations—Respect, Responsibility, and Readiness—to foster a positive learning environment.

Establishing clear classroom expectations helps students feel safe, respected, and ready to learn, reducing disruptions and building a strong community.

Audience

5th Grade

Time

10 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion with visual support.

Materials

Classroom Expectations Poster, Whiteboard and Markers, Classroom Expectations Slide Deck, and Classroom Expectations Script

Prep

Review and Setup

5 minutes

  • Review the Classroom Expectations Slide Deck and familiarize yourself with the Classroom Expectations Script.
  • Print and display the Classroom Expectations Poster where all students can see it.
  • Prepare whiteboard and markers to note student responses.

Step 1

Introduction

2 minutes

  • Greet students and explain: “Today we’re going on an Expectations Expedition in our classroom!”
  • Display Slide 1 of the Classroom Expectations Slide Deck.
  • Use the script to introduce the three expectations: Respect, Responsibility, and Readiness.

Step 2

Discuss Expectations

5 minutes

  • Show the Classroom Expectations Poster.
  • For each expectation, ask:
    • “What does Respect look like here?”
    • “How do we show Responsibility in our classroom?”
    • “Why is Readiness important for learning?”
  • Write key student ideas on the whiteboard as they share.
  • Prompt quieter students with the script’s guiding questions.

Step 3

Wrap-Up

3 minutes

  • Summarize the three expectations using bullet points on the whiteboard.
  • Invite one volunteer to share which expectation they’ll focus on today.
  • Reinforce positive application: “Let’s practice Respect, Responsibility, and Readiness right now as we transition to our next activity.”
lenny

Slide Deck

Expectations Expedition: Classroom

Session 1 • Classroom Expectations

Let’s explore how we show Respect, Responsibility, and Readiness in our classroom!

Welcome students and introduce the Expectations Expedition series. Explain that today’s session focuses on classroom expectations. Use this slide to set the tone and engage curiosity.

Respect

• Listen when others are speaking
• Use polite words and a calm voice
• Treat classmates and property kindly

Discuss Respect. Show a quick example (e.g., raising hand before speaking). Invite one or two student examples to build buy-in.

Responsibility

• Follow directions the first time
• Complete tasks and assignments on time
• Keep our classroom organized and clean

Discuss Responsibility. Highlight taking responsibility for learning and the classroom environment. Ask: “How can we keep our space clean?”

Readiness

• Come with materials and homework ready
• Focus on the lesson and participate
• Transition quickly and quietly between activities

Discuss Readiness. Emphasize being prepared both mentally and physically. Prompt: “What should you have on your desk every morning?”

Summary & Practice

Today’s Classroom Expectations:

  1. Respect
  2. Responsibility
  3. Readiness

Which one will you focus on today?

Summarize all three expectations. Invite a volunteer to pick one to practice today. Close by modeling one expectation during the transition.

lenny

Script

Classroom Expectations Script

Introduction (2 minutes)

Teacher: “Good morning, Explorers! Welcome to our first session of the Expectations Expedition. Today, we’re going on a journey right here in our classroom.”

Display Slide 1 of the Classroom Expectations Slide Deck.

Teacher: “On this slide, you see our mission: to learn how we show Respect, Responsibility, and Readiness in our classroom.”

Teacher: “By the end of our 10 minutes together, you’ll know exactly what each of those words looks like and sounds like here.”

Discussing Respect (2 minutes)

Display Slide 2: Respect.

Teacher: “Let’s start with Respect. I’ll read the first bullet: ‘Listen when others are speaking.’ What does that look like in our room?”
Wait 5–10 seconds for responses.
If no one volunteers: “Who can give me an example of listening when someone else is talking?”
Possible Student Response: “Keeping eyes on the speaker and staying quiet.”
Teacher: “Exactly! [Write ‘Eye contact and quiet listening’ on the whiteboard.]”

Teacher: “Next: ‘Use polite words and a calm voice.’ Can someone show me a polite way to ask a question?”
Pause for a volunteer to role-play.
Teacher: “Fantastic! That’s Respect in action.”
Teacher: “One more: ‘Treat classmates and property kindly.’ What’s one way you treat our desks and books kindly?”
Pause for responses.
Teacher: “Great ideas!”
You might write: ‘Handle books gently’ and ‘Use a quiet voice in shared spaces.’

Discussing Responsibility (2 minutes)

Display Slide 3: Responsibility.

Teacher: “Now, Responsibility. The first bullet says, ‘Follow directions the first time.’ Why is that important?”
Wait 5 seconds.
Follow-Up Prompt: “Imagine I say, ‘Turn your book to page 10.’ What happens when you follow the first time?”
Possible Student Answer: “We save time and get right to work.”
Teacher: “Exactly—time for learning!”
Teacher: “Next: ‘Complete tasks and assignments on time.’ How does turning work in on time help our class?”
Pause for answers.
Teacher: “Perfect. Finally, ‘Keep our classroom organized and clean.’ What’s one thing you can do to show that?”
Pause for responses.
Teacher: “I love it—picking up scraps, stacking chairs, and putting supplies back where they belong.”
Write those ideas under Responsibility on the whiteboard.

Discussing Readiness (1.5 minutes)

Display Slide 4: Readiness.

Teacher: “Last expectation: Readiness. The slide says, ‘Come with materials and homework ready.’ What materials do you need every morning?”
Wait.
Teacher: “Yes—pencil, notebook, water bottle, everything ready to learn!”
Teacher: “Next: ‘Focus on the lesson and participate.’ How do you show you’re focused?”
Pause.
Teacher: “Great—eyes on me, ready questions, and answering when invited.”
Teacher: “And ‘Transition quickly and quietly.’ Why do we practice that?”
Student Response: “So we don’t waste time or interrupt others.”
Teacher: “Exactly. Quick and quiet helps us all stay on track.”

Wrap-Up & Practice (4.5 minutes)

Display Slide 5: Summary & Practice.

Teacher: “Let’s review our three expectations.”

  1. Respect
  2. Responsibility
  3. Readiness

    Teacher: “Which one will YOU focus on today? Turn and tell a partner.”

    Give partners 20 seconds to share.

    Teacher: “Okay, let’s hear from a few volunteers. [Call on 2–3 students to share their focus.]”

    Teacher: “Wonderful! Now, as we move to our next activity, let’s practice that expectation RIGHT NOW. If you chose Respect, raise your hand and wait silently. If you chose Responsibility, check your desk is tidy. If you chose Readiness, get your materials out quietly.”

    Pause and observe students’ transitions.

    Teacher (quietly to class): “Great job practicing our classroom expectations. That completes our first session of the Expectations Expedition!”
lenny
lenny

Lesson Plan

Hallway Expectations

Students will identify and practice three key hallway expectations—Walking Feet, Quiet Voice, and Hands to Self—to ensure safe and respectful transitions between classes.

Clear hallway expectations promote a calm, orderly school environment, reduce noise and congestion, and reinforce respect for others in shared spaces.

Audience

5th Grade

Time

10 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion with modeling and role-play.

Materials

Hallway Expectations Poster, Whiteboard and Markers, Hallway Expectations Slide Deck, and Hallway Expectations Script

Prep

Review and Setup

5 minutes

  • Review the Hallway Expectations Slide Deck and familiarize yourself with the Hallway Expectations Script.
  • Print and display the Hallway Expectations Poster near the classroom door or along the hallway.
  • Prepare whiteboard and markers for noting student ideas during discussion.

Step 1

Introduction

2 minutes

  • Greet students and announce: “Today on our Expectations Expedition, we’re exploring the hallway!”
  • Display Slide 1 of the Hallway Expectations Slide Deck.
  • Introduce the three expectations: Walking Feet, Quiet Voice, Hands to Self.

Step 2

Explore Expectations

4 minutes

  • Display Slide 2: Walking Feet.
    • Ask: “What does Walking Feet look like in our hallway?”
    • Invite 2–3 volunteers to stand and demonstrate safe walking.
    • Record key ideas on the whiteboard.
  • Display Slide 3: Quiet Voice.
    • Ask: “Why do we use a quiet voice in the hallway?”
    • Have students share examples of appropriate hallway volume.
    • Note responses on the board.
  • Display Slide 4: Hands to Self.
    • Ask: “Why is keeping our hands to ourselves important here?”
    • Discuss scenarios where hands to self keeps everyone safe.
    • Add ideas to the whiteboard.

Step 3

Practice Role-Play

3 minutes

  • Display Slide 5: Practice Scenarios.
  • Invite pairs of students to role-play walking down the hallway using all three expectations.
  • After each pair, highlight what they did well and offer one positive suggestion.
  • Encourage all students to observe and give a thumbs-up for good examples.

Step 4

Wrap-Up

1 minute

  • Summarize the three expectations aloud: Walking Feet, Quiet Voice, Hands to Self.
  • Ask: “Which expectation will you focus on as you leave the room today?”
  • Encourage students to quietly line up, practicing their chosen expectation as they transition.
lenny

Slide Deck

Expectations Expedition: Hallway

Session 2 • Hallway Expectations

Let’s learn how to move safely and respectfully through our halls!

Welcome students and introduce today’s Expectations Expedition in the hallway. Explain that we’ll focus on three key rules to keep everyone safe and respectful during transitions.

Walking Feet

• Walk on the right side of the hallway
• Keep a steady, even pace
• Leave space between you and others

Discuss Walking Feet. Ask students to stand and model a calm, even pace. Invite ideas about where and how to walk.

Quiet Voice

• Speak softly using a whisper voice
• Respect learning in nearby classrooms
• Listen for important announcements

Explain Quiet Voice. Emphasize respect for nearby classrooms. Invite volunteers to demonstrate a whisper voice.

Hands to Self

• Keep hands and feet to yourself
• Avoid touching walls, lockers, or classmates
• Respect everyone’s personal space

Introduce Hands to Self. Discuss how personal space and safety matter. Ask: “What happens if we touch lockers or peers?”

Practice Scenarios

Role-Play :

  1. Walk from our classroom to the restroom using Walking Feet and Quiet Voice.
  2. Line up outside the door, keeping Hands to Self.

After each, discuss:
• What did you do well?
• What could you improve?

Guide students through two quick role-play scenarios. After each, highlight what they did well and offer one positive suggestion.

lenny

Script

Hallway Expectations Script

Introduction (2 minutes)

Teacher: “Good morning, Explorers! Welcome to Session 2 of our Expectations Expedition. Today, we’re taking our mission into the hallway.”

Display Slide 1 of the Hallway Expectations Slide Deck.

Teacher: “On this slide, you see our three hallway expectations: Walking Feet, Quiet Voice, and Hands to Self. By the end of 10 minutes, you’ll know exactly how to follow these when we move between classes.”


Discussing Walking Feet (1.5 minutes)

Display Slide 2: Walking Feet.

Teacher: “Let’s begin with Walking Feet. The slide says:
• Walk on the right side of the hallway
• Keep a steady, even pace
• Leave space between you and others”

Teacher: “What does Walking Feet look like in our hallway? Who can show me how you’d walk safely and smoothly?”

Wait 5–10 seconds for volunteers.

Possible Student Demonstration: Student walks in place calmly.

Teacher: “Great job! I noticed you kept to the right and left space between you and me. What else can we do to show good Walking Feet?”

Pause for responses.

Teacher: “Yes—heels down, quiet steps. Let’s remember that whenever we head out of this door.”


Discussing Quiet Voice (1.5 minutes)

Display Slide 3: Quiet Voice.

Teacher: “Next is Quiet Voice. Our slide reminds us to:
• Speak softly using a whisper voice
• Respect learning in nearby classrooms
• Listen for important announcements”

Teacher: “Why do we use a Whisper Voice in the hallway?”

Pause for answers.

Follow-Up Prompt: “What could happen if we talk too loudly right outside another classroom?”

Possible Student Response: “We might interrupt someone else’s lesson.”

Teacher: “Exactly. Let’s practice a whisper: ‘Excuse me, may I pass?’”

Invite one volunteer to whisper the phrase.


Discussing Hands to Self (1.5 minutes)

Display Slide 4: Hands to Self.

Teacher: “Finally, Hands to Self. We must:
• Keep hands and feet to yourself
• Avoid touching walls, lockers, or classmates
• Respect everyone’s personal space”

Teacher: “Why is keeping our hands to ourselves important in the hallway?”

Wait for student ideas.

Follow-Up Prompt: “Imagine we’re crowded near lockers. What could happen if we bump into someone?”

Possible Response: “They could drop their books or get hurt.”

Teacher: “Right—hands to self keeps everyone safe and comfortable.”


Practice Role-Play (3 minutes)

Display Slide 5: Practice Scenarios.

Teacher: “Now it’s time to role-play! Turn to your partner. Scenario 1: Walk from our classroom to the restroom using Walking Feet and a Quiet Voice. Scenario 2: Line up outside the door, keeping Hands to Self.”

Invite 2–3 pairs to demonstrate quickly.

Teacher: “After each, I’ll point out one thing you did well and one suggestion.”

After Pair 1: “I love how you kept a steady pace. Next time, try to whisper even more quietly.”

After Pair 2: “Great spacing between you and your partner. Remember to keep your hands by your sides when you line up.”


Wrap-Up (1 minute)

Teacher: “Let’s review our hallway expectations.”

  1. Walking Feet
  2. Quiet Voice
  3. Hands to Self

    Teacher: “Which expectation will YOU focus on as you leave the room today? Turn and tell your partner.”

    Give students 15 seconds to share.

    Teacher: “Wonderful. Now quietly line up, practicing your chosen expectation right now.”

    Observe as students transition.

    Teacher (quietly): “Fantastic practice explorers! You’ve completed our Hallway Expectations session on the Expectations Expedition.”
lenny
lenny

Lesson Plan

Cafeteria Expectations

Students will identify and practice three key cafeteria expectations—Line Up Quietly, Use Table Manners, and Clean Up Your Space—to ensure a safe, respectful lunchtime routine.

Teaching clear cafeteria expectations helps students transition smoothly, reduces noise and spills, and fosters responsibility and respect in a busy shared space.

Audience

5th Grade

Time

10 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion with modeling and partner practice.

Materials

Cafeteria Expectations Poster, Whiteboard and Markers, Cafeteria Expectations Slide Deck, and Cafeteria Expectations Script

Prep

Review and Setup

5 minutes

  • Review the Cafeteria Expectations Slide Deck and familiarize yourself with the Cafeteria Expectations Script.
  • Print and display the Cafeteria Expectations Poster near the lunch line area.
  • Prepare whiteboard and markers to record student ideas.

Step 1

Introduction

2 minutes

  • Greet students: “Today on our Expectations Expedition, we’re heading to the cafeteria!”
  • Display Slide 1 of the Cafeteria Expectations Slide Deck.
  • Introduce the three expectations: Line Up Quietly, Use Table Manners, Clean Up Your Space.

Step 2

Discuss Expectations

5 minutes

  • Display Slide 2: Line Up Quietly.
    • Ask: “What does lining up quietly look and sound like?”
    • Invite 2–3 volunteers to model.
    • Note ideas on the whiteboard.
  • Display Slide 3: Use Table Manners.
    • Ask: “Why do we use inside voices and sit properly?”
    • Discuss respectful lunch conversations and safe postures.
    • Record student responses.
  • Display Slide 4: Clean Up Your Space.
    • Ask: “What steps do we take to leave our table clean?”
    • List actions (throw away trash, push in chairs, stack trays).
    • Write key points on the board.

Step 3

Model & Practice

2 minutes

  • Display Slide 5: Practice Scenarios.
  • Invite 2–3 students to role-play:
    1. Quietly lining up for lunch.
    2. Sitting and using table manners while eating.
    3. Cleaning up after their meal.
  • After each, praise one strong example and offer one suggestion.

Step 4

Wrap-Up

1 minute

  • Summarize three expectations aloud:
    1. Line Up Quietly
    2. Use Table Manners
    3. Clean Up Your Space
  • Ask: “Which expectation will you focus on at lunch today?”
  • Encourage each student to share briefly with a partner.
  • Close: “Great job explorers! Let’s practice our cafeteria expectations right now.”
lenny

Slide Deck

Expectations Expedition: Cafeteria

Session 3 • Cafeteria Expectations

Let’s learn how to line up, eat, and clean up like Explorers!

Welcome students and introduce today’s Expectations Expedition in the cafeteria. Explain that we’ll focus on three key expectations to make lunchtime smooth and respectful.

Line Up Quietly

• Wait your turn in a single-file line
• Keep hands by your sides
• Stay quiet and face forward

Discuss lining up quietly. Ask volunteers to model a calm, orderly line. Emphasize waiting patiently and respecting others’ personal space.

Use Table Manners

• Speak softly with an inside voice
• Eat only your own food
• Sit properly with feet under the table

Talk about using good table manners. Invite students to share polite behaviors at the lunch table. Highlight respect for food and peers.

Clean Up Your Space

• Throw away trash and recyclables
• Wipe off table or tray if needed
• Push in chairs and return trays

Explain how to clean up. Ask: “What steps do you take when you finish eating?” Record ideas and reinforce ownership of the space.

Practice Scenarios

Role-Play:

  1. Quietly lining up for lunch
  2. Using table manners while eating
  3. Cleaning up after your meal

After each, discuss:
• What went well?
• One thing to improve

Guide students through quick role-play scenarios for each expectation. After each, highlight one strong example and one suggestion.

lenny

Script

Cafeteria Expectations Script

Introduction (2 minutes)

Teacher: “Good morning, Explorers! Welcome to Session 3 of our Expectations Expedition. Today, we’re heading to the cafeteria!”

Display Slide 1 of the Cafeteria Expectations Slide Deck.

Teacher: “On this slide, you see our three cafeteria expectations: Line Up Quietly, Use Table Manners, and Clean Up Your Space. By the end of our 10 minutes together, you’ll know exactly how to follow these at lunch.”

Discussing Line Up Quietly (2 minutes)

Display Slide 2: Line Up Quietly.

Teacher: “Let’s talk about lining up quietly. The slide says:

• Wait your turn in a single-file line

• Keep hands by your sides

• Stay quiet and face forward”

Teacher: “What does lining up quietly look and sound like? Who would like to stand and model this for us?”

Wait 5–10 seconds for volunteers.

Teacher: “Thank you! I noticed you kept your hands by your sides and faced forward. What else can we do to stay quiet in line?”

Pause for responses.

Teacher: “Great ideas—no tapping, no talking, and staying close to the person in front of you.”

Discussing Table Manners (2 minutes)

Display Slide 3: Use Table Manners.

Teacher: “Next, let’s talk about table manners. Our slide reminds us:

• Speak softly with an inside voice

• Eat only your own food

• Sit properly with feet under the table”

Teacher: “Why do we use an inside voice at the lunch table?”

Pause for answers.

Follow-Up Prompt: “What might happen if someone yells across the table?”

Possible Student Response: “We’d be too loud and distract others.”

Teacher: “Exactly. Let’s practice a polite lunch conversation: ‘Please pass the ketchup, thank you.’”

Invite a volunteer to say the phrase softly.

Discussing Clean Up Your Space (1 minute)

Display Slide 4: Clean Up Your Space.

Teacher: “Finally, cleaning up. The slide lists:

• Throw away trash and recyclables

• Wipe off table or tray if needed

• Push in chairs and return trays”

Teacher: “What steps do you take to leave your table clean?”

Pause for responses.

Teacher: “Yes—stack your tray, throw away wrappers, and wipe crumbs. This helps our cafeteria staff and the next group.”

Model & Practice (2 minutes)

Display Slide 5: Practice Scenarios.

Teacher: “Now let’s practice! I need two volunteers for each scenario.”

Teacher: “First, model lining up quietly at the door. Next, model sitting and using table manners while you ‘eat.’ Finally, show how to clean up your space.”

Invite 2–3 students to role-play quickly.

After each:

  • “I loved your quiet voices. Next time, tuck your tray neatly.”
  • “Great job keeping feet under the table. Remember to chew with your mouth closed.”

Wrap-Up (1 minute)

Teacher: “Let’s review our cafeteria expectations.”

  1. Line Up Quietly
  2. Use Table Manners
  3. Clean Up Your Space

    Teacher: “Which expectation will YOU focus on at lunch today? Turn and tell a partner.”

    Give partners 15 seconds.

    Teacher: “Wonderful. Remember to practice that expectation right now as we head out.”

    Observe as students transition.

    Teacher (quietly): “Great job, Explorers! You’ve completed our Cafeteria Expectations session.”
lenny
lenny

Lesson Plan

Playground Expectations

Students will identify and practice three key playground expectations—Play Safely, Include Others, and Care for Equipment—to create a fun, respectful recess environment.

Clear playground expectations help prevent accidents, encourage inclusive play, and promote responsibility for shared equipment, ensuring all students can enjoy recess safely and respectfully.

Audience

5th Grade

Time

10 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion with demonstration and group practice.

Materials

Playground Expectations Poster, Whiteboard and Markers, Playground Expectations Slide Deck, and Playground Expectations Script

Prep

Review and Setup

5 minutes

  • Review the Playground Expectations Slide Deck and familiarize yourself with the Playground Expectations Script.
  • Print and display the Playground Expectations Poster near the playground entrance.
  • Prepare whiteboard and markers to record student ideas.

Step 1

Introduction

2 minutes

  • Greet students: “Good morning, Explorers! Today our Expectations Expedition takes us outdoors to the playground.”
  • Display Slide 1 of the Playground Expectations Slide Deck.
  • Introduce the three expectations: Play Safely, Include Others, and Care for Equipment.

Step 2

Discuss Expectations

5 minutes

  • Display Slide 2: Play Safely.
    • Ask: “What does playing safely look like on our playground?”
    • Invite 2–3 students to demonstrate safe movement and space awareness.
    • Record key ideas on the whiteboard.
  • Display Slide 3: Include Others.
    • Ask: “Why should we invite classmates to join our games?”
    • Discuss how inclusion creates fun for everyone and list ideas.
  • Display Slide 4: Care for Equipment.
    • Ask: “How do we use and treat playground equipment properly?”
    • Note student responses (e.g., return balls, use slides one at a time).

Step 3

Practice Demonstrations

2 minutes

  • Display Slide 5: Practice Scenarios.
  • Invite 3 pairs to role-play:
    1. Starting a safe tag game while respecting boundaries.
    2. Inviting a peer who is alone to join a game.
    3. Returning balls and equipment neatly after play.
  • After each demo, highlight one strength and offer one suggestion.

Step 4

Wrap-Up

1 minute

  • Summarize the three expectations aloud:
    1. Play Safely
    2. Include Others
    3. Care for Equipment
  • Ask: “Which expectation will YOU focus on during recess today?”
  • Have students turn and tell a partner before heading outdoors, then practice that expectation immediately as they exit.
lenny

Slide Deck

Expectations Expedition: Playground

Session 4 • Playground Expectations

Let’s explore how to play safely, include everyone, and care for our equipment!

Welcome students and introduce today’s Expectations Expedition on the playground. Explain that they’ll learn how to play safely, include others, and care for equipment.

Play Safely

• Use equipment as intended (no climbing outside boundaries)
• Watch where you run and avoid pushing or rough play
• Stay within designated play areas

Discuss Play Safely. Invite students to show how they move safely around playground equipment and keep a safe distance from others.

Include Others

• Ask classmates to join your game
• Take turns and share roles
• Notice peers who are alone and invite them

Discuss Include Others. Emphasize the importance of friendly play and ensuring no one is left out. Ask for examples of inviting classmates.

Care for Equipment

• Use balls, jump ropes, and other gear gently
• Return equipment to its storage area when finished
• Report any broken or damaged items

Discuss Care for Equipment. Talk through proper use and returning equipment when done. Highlight respect for shared resources.

Practice Scenarios

Role-Play:

  1. Starting a safe tag game, respecting boundaries (Play Safely)
  2. Inviting a peer who’s alone to join your game (Include Others)
  3. Gathering and returning balls or jump ropes after play (Care for Equipment)

After each, discuss:
• What went well?
• One thing to improve

Guide students through quick role-play scenarios. After each, highlight one thing they did well and one suggestion for improvement.

lenny

Script

Playground Expectations Script

Introduction (2 minutes)

Teacher: “Good morning, Explorers! Welcome to Session 4 of our Expectations Expedition. Today, we’re taking our mission outdoors to the playground.”

Display Slide 1 of the Playground Expectations Slide Deck.

Teacher: “On this slide, you see our three playground expectations: Play Safely, Include Others, and Care for Equipment. By the end of our 10 minutes together, you’ll know exactly how to follow these when we head out.”

Discussing Play Safely (2 minutes)

Display Slide 2: Play Safely.

Teacher: “Let’s start with Play Safely. The slide reminds us to:
• Use equipment as intended (no climbing outside boundaries)
• Watch where you run and avoid pushing or rough play
• Stay within designated play areas”

Teacher: “What does playing safely look like on our playground?”

Wait 5–10 seconds for responses.

Teacher: “Who can show us safe movement around the equipment?”

Invite 2–3 volunteers to demonstrate safe play.

Teacher: “Great! I noticed you kept space around you and moved slowly near the slide. What else keeps us safe?”

Pause for additional ideas and record key points on the whiteboard.

Discussing Include Others (1.5 minutes)

Display Slide 3: Include Others.

Teacher: “Next, Include Others. Our slide says:
• Ask classmates to join your game
• Take turns and share roles
• Notice peers who are alone and invite them”

Teacher: “Why should we invite classmates to join our games?”

Wait for students to share ideas.

Follow-Up Prompt: “How does it feel when someone asks you to play?”

Teacher: “Exactly—everyone has more fun and feels welcome. Let’s write those ideas on the board.”

Discussing Care for Equipment (1.5 minutes)

Display Slide 4: Care for Equipment.

Teacher: “Finally, Care for Equipment. We must:
• Use balls, jump ropes, and other gear gently
• Return equipment to its storage area when finished
• Report any broken or damaged items”

Teacher: “How do we treat playground equipment properly?”

Pause for responses.

Teacher: “Yes—handle gently and put everything back when we’re done. That shows respect for our resources.”

Record student suggestions on the whiteboard.

Practice Demonstrations (2 minutes)

Display Slide 5: Practice Scenarios.

Teacher: “Now let’s practice! I need three pairs of volunteers.”

Teacher: “Pair 1: Show a safe tag game respecting boundaries (Play Safely).
Pair 2: Invite a peer who’s alone to join your game (Include Others).
Pair 3: Gather and return balls or jump ropes after play (Care for Equipment).”

Invite each pair to role-play quickly.

After each demonstration:

  • “I loved how you stayed inside the play area. Next time, make sure to watch your surroundings.”
  • “Great invitation—remember to wait for their answer before starting.”
  • “Excellent job returning equipment. Next time, double-check for any broken items.”

Wrap-Up (1 minute)

Teacher: “Let’s review our playground expectations.”

  1. Play Safely
  2. Include Others
  3. Care for Equipment

    Teacher: “Which expectation will YOU focus on during recess today? Turn and tell your partner.”

    Give partners 20 seconds to share.

    Teacher: “Wonderful! As we head out, practice that expectation right now.”

    Observe students as they exit to the playground.

    Teacher (quietly): “Great work, Explorers! That completes our Playground Expectations session of the Expectations Expedition.”
lenny
lenny