Lesson Plan
It’s Our Hallways
In one 60-minute session, students assess existing hallway behaviors, collaboratively co-create a respectful hallway code of conduct, and design persuasive posters to promote positive climate.
Engaging students in shaping their school environment fosters ownership, respect, and civic responsibility, improving overall hallway climate and reinforcing positive peer interactions.
Audience
7th Grade Students
Time
60 minutes
Approach
Group discussion, consensus-building, and creative design.
Materials
- Respect in the Hallways Slide Deck, - Hallway Harmony Campaign Guide, - Poster Design Criteria Rubric, - Team Poster Workshop Activity Sheet, - Poster Paper, - Colored Markers, - Sticky Notes, - Chart Paper, and - Computer and Projector
Prep
Review and Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Review the Respect in the Hallways Slide Deck for lesson flow and visuals
- Familiarize yourself with the Poster Design Criteria Rubric and its assessment categories
- Examine the Team Poster Workshop Activity Sheet to understand group planning cues
- Print enough copies of the Campaign Guide, rubric, and activity sheets for each group
- Gather poster paper, markers, sticky notes, and chart paper; set up computer and projector
Step 1
Launch Hallway Harmony Campaign
5 minutes
- Introduce the lesson using the Respect in the Hallways Slide Deck
- Explain objectives: assess climate, co-create code, design posters
- Showcase examples of effective persuasive posters
- Emphasize collaborative community impact
Step 2
Assess Current Hallway Climate
10 minutes
- Divide the class into small groups of 3–4
- Provide each group with sticky notes and chart paper
- Instruct groups to list hallway behaviors that help or hinder a positive climate (1 idea per sticky note)
- Groups stick notes on chart paper and quickly categorize common themes
- Groups share one key insight aloud
Step 3
Co-Create Code of Conduct
15 minutes
- As a class, review categorized behaviors and identify desired norms
- Draft 5–7 respectful code statements reflecting student input
- Write final code of conduct on chart paper and post it visibly
- Discuss how each rule supports a positive hallway environment
Step 4
Team Poster Workshop
20 minutes
- Form teams of 3–4 and distribute the Team Poster Workshop Activity Sheet
- Teams use the sheet to plan message, visuals, color scheme, and layout
- Create posters on poster paper using colored markers
- Refer to the Poster Design Criteria Rubric to ensure all criteria are met
- Teacher circulates to provide feedback and guidance
Step 5
Gallery Walk and Reflection
10 minutes
- Display completed posters around the room
- Students walk the gallery, leave positive feedback on sticky notes for peers
- Conduct a brief debrief: Which messages resonated most? How will the code and posters influence hallway behavior?
use Lenny to create lessons.
No credit card needed
Slide Deck
Respect in the Hallways
Hallway Harmony Campaign | 7th Grade | 60 minutes
Welcome everyone! Today we kick off our Hallway Harmony Campaign. We’ll explore how our behavior in the hallways shapes our school community and work together to make it a respectful, safe, and welcoming space.
Lesson Objectives
• Assess our current hallway climate
• Co-create a respectful Code of Conduct
• Design persuasive posters to promote positive hallway behavior
Read each objective aloud and invite a few students to paraphrase them. Emphasize that they will assess, co-create, and design as a team.
Why Hallway Respect Matters
• Hallways connect every part of our school
• First impression for visitors and peers
• Supports safety, order, and a sense of belonging
Ask: “Why do you think hallways matter?” Solicit student ideas—safety, first impressions, school pride. Connect responses to the slide bullets.
Identifying Hallway Behaviors
Positive Behaviors
• Walking calmly
• Greeting peers respectfully
• Keeping hands and feet to yourself
Negative Behaviors
• Running or shouting
• Pushing or cutting in line
• Littering or graffiti
Explain that positive hallway behaviors help everyone learn and feel welcome, while negative behaviors can lead to accidents or uncomfortable moments. Highlight examples.
Steps of the Hallway Harmony Campaign
- Assess Hallway Behaviors
- Co-Create Code of Conduct
- Team Poster Workshop
- Gallery Walk & Reflection
Guide students through the four steps we’ll take today. Keep this slide visible as a reference during transitions.
Co-Creating Our Code of Conduct
• Use positive, action-oriented language
• Be clear and specific (e.g., “Walk quietly,” not “Don’t run”)
• Reflect our shared values of respect and safety
Explain the criteria for writing code statements: positive tone, specificity, and alignment with our shared values. Invite students to start writing their ideas.
Poster Design Criteria
Use the Poster Design Criteria Rubric to ensure your poster includes:
• Clear, concise message
• Eye-catching visuals
• Readable text
• Persuasive call-to-action
• Harmonious color scheme
Show students the rubric and read each criterion aloud. Clarify any questions: What makes a message clear? How do colors affect readability?
Designing Your Poster
Teams:
• Choose a slogan or catchphrase
• Plan visuals and color scheme on your Team Poster Workshop Activity Sheet
• Create your poster with markers and paper
Distribute the Team Poster Workshop Activity Sheet now. Walk teams through planning: slogan, visuals, layout. Remind them to consult the rubric as they work.
Gallery Walk & Reflection
• Display posters around the room
• Leave positive feedback on sticky notes
• Debrief:
– Which messages stood out?
– How will our new code and posters influence hallway behavior?
After posters are displayed, explain how to leave feedback on sticky notes. Prompt reflection questions and prepare students for a brief class discussion.
Rubric
Poster Design Criteria Rubric
Scoring Scale: 4 = Exemplary | 3 = Proficient | 2 = Developing | 1 = Beginning
| Criterion | 4 – Exemplary | 3 – Proficient | 2 – Developing | 1 – Beginning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clarity of Message | Message is exceptionally clear, concise, and persuasive; slogan immediately communicates purpose and draws attention. | Message is clear and persuasive, with minor redundancies or extra words. | Message is somewhat clear but lacks persuasive impact or contains extra wording that obscures intent. | Message is confusing or unclear; key idea is missing or buried. |
| Visual Impact | Original, eye-catching visuals perfectly complement the message; creative layout engages viewers immediately. | Relevant visuals support the message; layout is organized and generally engaging. | Visuals are present but only somewhat related; layout is cluttered or leaves viewers uncertain where to focus. | Visuals are missing, irrelevant, or distracting; layout detracts from message. |
| Text Readability | Font size and style ensure easy reading from a distance; excellent contrast and spacing make every word legible. | Text is readable at standard viewing distance; minor spacing or contrast issues do not impede understanding. | Text is legible only up close; inconsistent spacing or low contrast makes some words difficult to read. | Text is hard to read due to poor font choice, inadequate size, low contrast, or overcrowding. |
| Persuasive Call-to-Action | Includes a strong, clear call-to-action that motivates behavior change; action steps are specific and compelling. | Call-to-action is present and understandable; some motivation is provided but could be stronger or more specific. | Call-to-action is weak, vague, or lacks urgency; it only partially directs the audience to act. | Call-to-action is missing or fails to encourage any specific behavior. |
| Color Harmony | Colors are harmonious and reinforce the message; combinations enhance readability and visual appeal. | Color choices are pleasing and generally support readability; minor clashes do not distract significantly. | Color palette has occasional clashes or low-contrast pairings that distract or make reading harder. | Colors clash severely or obscure text; poor palette choice distracts from the message. |
Use this rubric to guide your design and self-assess before submitting your poster for the Gallery Walk. Good luck!
Activity
Team Poster Workshop Activity Sheet
Use this sheet to plan your poster before creating it on poster paper. Refer to the Poster Design Criteria Rubric as you plan.
1. Team Members & Roles
List each member and the role they will play (e.g., lead artist, slogan writer, color coordinator, presenter):
- _________________________ – _________________________
- _________________________ – _________________________
- _________________________ – _________________________
- _________________________ – _________________________
2. Brainstorming Slogans & Key Message
• Brainstorm 3–5 catchy slogans that promote respectful hallway behavior:
- ____________________________________________________________
- ____________________________________________________________
- ____________________________________________________________
• Choose your slogan: ____________________________________________
• What is the main message you want viewers to take away?
_____________________________________________________________________
3. Persuasive Call-to-Action
• Write a clear call-to-action that tells your audience exactly what to do in the hallway:
_____________________________________________________________________
4. Visual Elements & Sketch
• List visual ideas (icons, characters, symbols) that will support your message:
• Quick sketch of poster layout (draw title area, imagery, call-to-action placement):
[ Draw here ]
5. Color Scheme
Choose 2–3 main colors that enhance readability and mood. List the hex codes or color names:
How will these colors support your message?
_____________________________________________________________________
6. Layout & Composition Plan
Describe how you will arrange slogan, visuals, and call-to-action on the poster:
__________________________________________________________________________
7. Roles & Timeline
• What tasks need to be done and who will do them?
| Task | Team Member | Finish By |
|---|---|---|
| Slogan finalization | ___________________ | ________ |
| Visual sketch | ___________________ | ________ |
| Color selection & painting | ___________________ | ________ |
| Lettering & layout | ___________________ | ________ |
| Final touches & review | ___________________ | ________ |
8. Self-Assessment Checklist
Before you start your poster, check off each criterion below. Plan how you will meet it.
- Clear, concise message (Clarity of Message)
- Eye-catching, relevant visuals (Visual Impact)
- Readable text from a distance (Text Readability)
- Strong call-to-action (Persuasive Call-to-Action)
- Harmonious color scheme (Color Harmony)
Use the Poster Design Criteria Rubric to guide your design and self-assess before beginning your final poster.
Good luck, and let’s create a hallway we’re all proud of!