Lesson Plan
Hallway Expectations Lesson Plan
Students will learn and practice respectful hallway behaviors—walking quietly, keeping to the right, and maintaining personal space—through discussion, reading, and activities.
Safe, orderly hallways reduce disruption and promote respect for peers and school property. This lesson builds skills students can apply each time they transition between classes.
Audience
Middle School Students (6th–8th Grade)
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion, slide presentation, reading, practice, and quick assessment.
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Review the Hallway Slide Deck and become familiar with talking points in the Hallway Behavior Script.
- Print enough copies of the Hallway Expectations Worksheet and Hallway Expectations Quiz plus answer key.
- Queue up any audio or video clips in the slide deck.
- Arrange seating so students can see the screen and sit for the warm-up discussion.
Step 1
Warm-Up Discussion
5 minutes
- Display the question: “What makes a hallway safe and respectful?”
- Have students turn to a partner and share one idea.
- Invite 3–4 pairs to report out.
Step 2
Slide Presentation
10 minutes
- Use the Hallway Slide Deck to introduce key behaviors:
- Walk quietly and in a straight line
- Keep to the right side
- Maintain personal space
- Read talking points from the Hallway Behavior Script.
- Pause for student questions after each slide.
Step 3
Reading Activity
5 minutes
- Distribute the Hallway Expectations Reading.
- Students read silently or in pairs.
- Ask: “Which rule surprised you or seems most important?”
Step 4
Worksheet Practice
5 minutes
- Hand out the Hallway Expectations Worksheet.
- Students complete scenarios: identify correct vs. incorrect behaviors.
- Circulate to support and check understanding.
Step 5
Quick Quiz
3 minutes
- Administer the Hallway Expectations Quiz.
- Collect quizzes for grading with the Hallway Quiz Answer Key.
Step 6
Reflection & Wrap-Up
2 minutes
- Ask students to name one hallway rule they’ll practice today.
- Remind them to watch for positive hallway behavior in peers.
- Preview next session on cafeteria expectations.
Slide Deck
Session 1: Hallway Expectations
Welcome! Today we’ll explore how to be respectful and responsible when moving through our school hallways.
Introduce the goals for today: Students will learn three key hallway behaviors that keep everyone safe and show respect for peers and school property. Remind them this is Session 1 of our Respect in Real Spaces series.
Why Hallway Behavior Matters
- Keeps everyone safe and orderly
- Shows respect for peers and school property
- Helps classes start on time and without distractions
Explain why following hallway rules matters. Use a simple graphic of kids walking calmly.
Walk Quietly & in Line
- Speak in whispers if you need to talk
- Walk in a single-file line
- Follow the person in front of you, keeping hands to yourself
Highlight “walk quietly and in line.” Show a photo of a straight single‐file line. Emphasize whisper voices only.
Keep to the Right
- Stay on the right side of the hallway
- Prevents collisions and traffic jams
- Respect the flow when entering/exiting classrooms
Use an arrow diagram to show right-side walking. Discuss how this prevents collisions.
Maintain Personal Space
- Leave at least an arm’s-length between you and others
- Avoid pushing, shoving, or horseplay
- Be aware of peers around you
Discuss personal space. Demonstrate at least arm’s-length distance. Explain no bumping or pushing.
Let’s Practice!
Scenario 1: Two classmates bump into each other while squeezing past. What should they do?
Scenario 2: You’re running late and feel like jogging. How can you move safely?
Turn to your partner and discuss.
Use these scenarios to prompt partner discussions. Circulate and listen to ideas.
Script
Hallway Behavior Script
Warm-Up Discussion (5 minutes)
Teacher: "Let's begin with our Hallway Warm-Up Activity. What makes a hallway safe and respectful?"
Teacher: "Turn to your partner, share one idea, and then we’ll hear from a few pairs."
Teacher: "Thank you. Pair 1, what did you discuss?"
Teacher: "Pair 2, how about you?"
Teacher: "Pair 3, would you like to share?"
Slide Presentation (10 minutes)
[Advance to the first slide on the Hallway Slide Deck]
Teacher: "The title here is 'Session 1: Hallway Expectations.' We’re going to focus on three key behaviors that help us move safely and respectfully through our hallways."
Teacher: "Any questions before we continue?"
[Advance to Slide 2]
Teacher: "This slide is called 'Why Hallway Behavior Matters.' Let’s read the points together."
Teacher: "First: It keeps everyone safe and orderly."
Teacher: "Second: It shows respect for peers and school property."
Teacher: "Third: It helps classes start on time and without distractions."
Teacher: "Why do you think starting class on time is important?"
(Pause for 1–2 responses.)
[Advance to Slide 3]
Teacher: "This one is 'Walk Quietly & in Line.'"
Teacher: "Speak in whispers if you need to talk. Walk in a single-file line. Follow the person in front of you, keeping hands to yourself."
Teacher: "How might talking loudly in the hallway affect your classmates?"
(Pause for responses.)
[Advance to Slide 4]
Teacher: "Now, 'Keep to the Right.' Staying on the right side prevents collisions and traffic jams. Remember to respect the flow when entering and exiting classrooms."
Teacher: "Can anyone share a time they bumped into someone? What could help avoid that?"
(Pause for responses.)
[Advance to Slide 5]
Teacher: "The last rule is 'Maintain Personal Space.' Leave at least an arm’s-length between you and others. Avoid pushing, shoving, or horseplay. Be aware of peers around you."
Teacher: "Why do you think personal space matters in the hallway?"
(Pause for responses.)
[Advance to Practice Slide]
Teacher: "Let’s practice with a couple of scenarios. Turn to your partner and discuss each one."
Teacher: "Scenario 1: Two classmates bump into each other while squeezing past. What should they do?"
Teacher: "Scenario 2: You’re running late and feel like jogging. How can you move safely?"
Teacher: "Great thinking! Let’s share a few ideas. Pair 1? Pair 2?"
Reading Activity (5 minutes)
Teacher: "Now I’m handing out the Hallway Expectations Reading."
Teacher: "Read silently or with your partner. As you read, think about which rule surprised you or seems most important. You have two minutes."
Teacher: "Who would like to share which rule stood out and why?"
Worksheet Practice (5 minutes)
Teacher: "Next, please take the Hallway Expectations Worksheet. For each scenario, identify whether the behavior is correct or incorrect. You have five minutes. Ask me if you need help."
Quick Quiz (3 minutes)
Teacher: "Now, let’s do a quick quiz. Please complete the Hallway Expectations Quiz. You have three minutes. Go ahead."
Reflection & Wrap-Up (2 minutes)
Teacher: "To wrap up, name one hallway rule you’ll practice today. Pair 1? Pair 2?"
(Select 2–3 students to respond.)
Teacher: "Remember to notice when your classmates follow hallway rules. Great job today! Next session, we will focus on cafeteria expectations. See you then!"
Reading
Hallway Expectations Reading
Hallways are the busy pathways that connect classrooms, the cafeteria, and other places in our school. When we walk through them, we share space with dozens of our classmates at once. By following a few simple rules, we can keep hallways safe, orderly, and respectful for everyone.
First, walk quietly and in a straight line. Hallways can be noisy if everyone talks or runs. Speaking in whispers or silent voices helps keep the noise level down so classes can finish on time without distractions. Walking in a single‐file line behind the person in front of you shows you are aware of those around you and ready to move smoothly to your next class.
Next, always keep to the right side of the hallway. Just like cars driving on a road, students flow more easily when everyone follows the same side. Staying to the right prevents collisions and traffic jams, especially near doorways and corners. If someone is coming toward you, it’s much easier to pass safely when you’re both on your right.
Finally, maintain personal space. Leave about an arm’s length between you and the person next to you. This distance keeps everyone comfortable and reduces accidental pushes or bumps. Avoid horseplay—even a friendly game of tag can be dangerous in a crowded hallway.
As you read these rules, think about which one seems most important to you and how you might practice it every time you walk through the halls.
Worksheet
Hallway Expectations Worksheet
- List the three hallway rules you learned from the Hallway Expectations Reading. Write one rule on each line.
a. _____________________________________________
b. _____________________________________________
c. _____________________________________________
- Read each scenario below. For each, write Correct or Incorrect, and explain your choice.
Scenario 1: Two students walk side by side in the middle of the hallway, talking softly, and do not move to the right when someone approaches.
Answer (Correct / Incorrect): ___________
Explanation:
Scenario 2: A student is running to get to class on time, weaving quickly between classmates, and nearly bumps into others.
Answer (Correct / Incorrect): ___________
Explanation:
Scenario 3: A student keeps about an arm’s-length between themselves and the person in front of them while walking quietly on the right side.
Answer (Correct / Incorrect): ___________
Explanation:
- Reflection: Which hallway rule do you think is the most important? Why?
Quiz
Hallway Expectations Quiz
Answer Key
Hallway Quiz Answer Key
Below are the correct responses for the Hallway Expectations Quiz, along with brief explanations. For the open-response question, a point-based rubric and a sample response are provided.
Question 1
Prompt: True or False: Walking in a single-file line and speaking in a whisper are hallway expectations.
Correct Answer: True
Explanation: Walking in a single-file line and using whisper voices helps keep noise levels down and maintains order.
Question 2
Prompt: Which side of the hallway should you walk on to prevent collisions?
Correct Answer: Right side
Explanation: Staying on the right side of the hallway mimics traffic flow and reduces the chance of bumping into others.
Question 3
Prompt: True or False: It’s acceptable to run in the hallway if you are late to class.
Correct Answer: False
Explanation: Running can cause accidents or collisions. Walking calmly shows respect for everyone’s safety.
Question 4
Prompt: What is the recommended distance to maintain between you and the person in front of you?
Correct Answer: About an arm’s-length
Explanation: Maintaining about an arm’s-length of space prevents accidental pushing or bumping and respects personal space.
Question 5 (Open-Response)
Prompt: Explain why maintaining personal space in the hallway is important.
Rubric (3 points total):
- 1 point: Mentions safety (prevents bumps or accidents)
- 1 point: Mentions comfort or respect for others’ personal space
- 1 point: References hallway rules or space management
Sample Response (3 points):
“Maintaining personal space prevents accidental pushes or bumps, keeps everyone comfortable as we move through crowded halls, and shows respect by giving classmates enough room to walk safely.”
Warm Up
Hallway Warm-Up Activity
- Prompt on the board: “What makes a hallway safe and respectful?”
- Think (30 seconds): Students write one idea below.
- Pair-Share (1 minute): Turn to a partner and share your idea.
- Report-Out (1.5 minutes): Invite 3–4 pairs to share. Record key words on the board.
- Transition: Point out common themes (quiet voices, walking in line, personal space) and introduce today’s lesson on hallway expectations.