School Sorting Activity: Expected vs. Unexpected

This interactive sorting activity uses school-themed cards to help students distinguish between expected and unexpected behaviors at school.

Activity Overview

In this activity, the student will be given a series of cards. Each card displays a behavior with a short description and an engaging illustration. The behaviors can be either expected (positive) or unexpected (negative) according to school rules. The student will sort these cards into two categories:

• Expected Behaviors: Actions that are safe, kind, and follow school rules.
• Unexpected Behaviors: Actions that might not follow school rules or are unsafe or unkind.

Materials Needed

• A set of school-themed cards with pictures and descriptions of different behaviors.
• Two labeled sorting areas (e.g., on a table or board): one for Expected and one for Unexpected.
• Visuals from the School Slide Deck: Expected vs. Unexpected for reference.

Instructions

1. Introduction:

   • Begin by reviewing the difference between expected and unexpected behaviors using the School Slide Deck: Expected vs. Unexpected.
   • Explain to the student that they will help by sorting behavior cards into the correct category based on what they see at school.

2. Sorting Activity:

   • Present the school-themed cards one by one or all at once based on the student's preference.
   • Ask the student to decide if the behavior on each card is expected or unexpected and to place the card in the corresponding area.
   • Provide support and ask guiding questions, for example: "Do you think this behavior is safe and kind at school?" or "Is this action what you would do in class?"

3. Discussion:

   • After sorting, go over the cards in each category together.
   • Ask the student to explain why they sorted each card as they did. This helps reinforce their understanding of school social norms.

4. Positive Reinforcement:

   • Praise the student for their effort and correct reasoning.
   • Highlight the correctly placed cards and gently discuss any that may have been miscategorized.

Follow-Up Questions

• What makes the behavior on this card "expected" at school?
  
  
  
  
  
  
• How could someone change an unexpected behavior to make it more expected at school?
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Can you think of another way someone could show kindness or safety at school?
  
  
  
  
  
  

Use this real-world activity to help connect the concept of appropriate behaviors directly to daily school experiences.

School Wordwall Game: Expected vs. Unexpected

Below is a comprehensive list of school behaviors categorized as expected and unexpected. This list aims to make it easier to implement the interactive game and clearly illustrate what behaviors are encouraged at school.

Expected School Behaviors

1. Sharing Materials: Sharing pencils, books, and learning tools with classmates.
   
   
   
2. Listening Actively: Paying attention when the teacher or classmates are speaking.
   
   
   
3. Using Kind Words: Speaking politely and respectfully to everyone.
   
   
   
4. Taking Turns: Allowing others to speak or play during group activities.
   
   
   
5. Following Instructions: Following the teacher's directions promptly and accurately.
   
   
   
6. Helping Others: Offering assistance to classmates who may need it.
   
   
   
7. Staying on Task: Focusing on classwork and activities without unnecessary distractions.
   
   
   
8. Keeping Hands to Yourself: Respecting personal space and avoiding physical contact unless appropriate.
   
   
   
9. Clean-Up and Organization: Cleaning up work areas and keeping personal belongings organized.
   
   
   
10. Positive Attitude: Approaching tasks with enthusiasm and resilience.

Unexpected School Behaviors

1. Interrupting Constantly: Talking over the teacher or peers without waiting for their turn.
   
   
   
2. Using Unkind Language: Insulting, teasing, or using hurtful words towards others.
   
   
   
3. Ignoring Instructions: Deliberately not following given directions or classroom rules.
   
   
   
4. Disrupting Class: Causing disruptions by making loud noises, unnecessary movement, or playing during instructional time.
   
   
   
5. Physical Aggression: Hitting, pushing, or any form of physical harm towards classmates.
   
   
   
6. Stealing or Taking Without Permission: Taking items belonging to others or the classroom without asking first.
   
   
   
7. Refusal to Participate: Avoiding group activities or refusing to contribute in a collaborative setting.
   
   
   
8. Messy Work Areas: Not cleaning up after activities, leaving the workspace disorganized.
   
   
   
9. Exclusion: Deliberately leaving a classmate out of games or group activities.
   
   
   
10. Unsafe Behavior: Actions that compromise safety, such as running in hallways or refusing to use classroom tools safely.

Integrate these lists into your game scenarios. Each card or behavior example in the School Wordwall Game: Expected vs. Unexpected can feature one of these behaviors, helping students identify and categorize each behavior accurately. Enjoy the engaging learning experience!