• lenny-learning-logoLenny Learning
  • Home
    Home
  • Lessons
    Lessons
  • Curriculum
    Curriculum
  • Surveys
    Surveys
  • Videos
    Videos
  • Support
    Support
  • Log In
lenny

School Rules, Anytime!

DGAUTHIER

Tier 3

Lesson Plan

School Rules Anytime

Help the student recognize that calling others bad names is hurtful, learn that school rules against name-calling apply everywhere, and practice replacing mean words with kind language through scenarios and reflection.

Name-calling hurts feelings, disrupts a respectful environment, and violates school rules. Emphasizing name-calling helps the student see the impact of words, build empathy, and choose kinder language all day, everywhere.

Audience

3rd Grade Student

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Discuss name-calling scenarios, reflect, replace with kind words.

Materials

Scenario Cards: School Rules Situations, Reflection Worksheet on School Rules, and School Rules Quick Quiz

Prep

Prepare and Review Materials

10 minutes

  • Print or display the Scenario Cards: School Rules Situations, ensuring at least one card shows name-calling.
  • Print copies of the Reflection Worksheet on School Rules.
  • Prepare the School Rules Quick Quiz answer key for assessment.
  • Review the student’s behavior record for the specific name used to personalize examples.

Step 1

Introduction & Rule Review

5 minutes

  • Greet the student and explain the lesson’s focus: avoiding bad names and following school rules all day and everywhere.
  • Ask: “Why is calling someone a bad name not okay? How do you feel when someone calls you a name?”
  • Have the student name two rules about using kind words in places like the classroom, gym, and playground.
  • Clarify misconceptions and reinforce that name-calling breaks the “Be Kind” rule anywhere on campus.

Step 2

Read and Discuss Scenarios

10 minutes

  • Present 3–4 cards from Scenario Cards: School Rules Situations, each showing a student using a mean name (e.g., “bitch”).
  • For each card:
    • Read the scenario aloud.
    • Ask: “What happened here? Which rule did the student break? How do you think the mean word made the other student feel? What could they say instead?”
  • Encourage the student to suggest kinder words or phrases (e.g., “Let’s play nicely,” “I’m upset, can we talk?”).
  • Praise empathetic and respectful responses.

Step 3

Reflection Worksheet

10 minutes

  • Provide the Reflection Worksheet on School Rules.
  • Guide the student to:
    • Write or draw the mean word they used (using initials if needed).
    • Explain why that word hurt the other person.
    • Identify the school rule about kind language and where it applies.
    • Describe how the other student felt.
    • Draw or write a kinder response they could use instead of the bad name.
  • Offer writing support as needed; act as scribe if required by IEP/504.

Step 4

Quick Quiz & Wrap-Up

5 minutes

  • Administer the School Rules Quick Quiz.
  • Review answers together, clarifying any mistakes.
  • Ask: “What could you say next time instead of calling someone a bad name if you feel upset?”
  • Summarize: “Name-calling is against the rules everywhere. Choosing kind words builds a positive school community.”
  • End with positive reinforcement: “Great job learning kinder ways to speak!”
lenny

Reading

School Rules: All Day, Every Day!

At school, we have rules to help everyone learn, play, and grow safely and respectfully. These rules are just as important when we are in the classroom as they are in the gym, on the playground at recess, or walking down the hallways.

Why Rules Matter

  • Keep us safe. Rules like walking in the hall and keeping hands to ourselves help prevent accidents.
  • Show respect. Following rules means listening to adults and using kind words with friends.
  • Build our community. When we all follow the same rules, school feels fair and welcoming for everyone.

Kind Words and Actions

Words can make others feel happy, sad, or hurt. When we use kind words—like “please,” “thank you,” or friendly greetings—we show respect and help friends feel good.

Mean words, such as calling someone a “_____,” can break our rule about being kind and hurt others’ feelings. Even if it happens during gym or recess, it’s still against our school rules.

Empathy: Understanding How Others Feel

Empathy means putting yourself in someone else’s shoes and imagining how they feel. If a friend looks sad after hearing a mean word, empathy helps you comfort them and say something kind instead.

Remember: School rules apply all day, everywhere. By choosing kind words and showing empathy, you help make our school a friendly, safe place for everyone to learn and play.

lenny
lenny

Worksheet

Reflection Worksheet on Name-Calling

Name: ____________________ Date: ________________

  1. What name did you call the other student? (You can use initials if you need to.)




  2. Why is calling someone that name hurtful? What feelings might it cause?




  3. Which school rule did this name-calling break? (Remember, the “Be Kind” rule applies everywhere—classroom, gym, playground, hallways.)




  4. How do you think the other student felt when they heard that name? Describe their possible feelings.




  5. Think of two kind words or phrases you could use instead of a bad name when you feel upset or angry. Write or draw them below:







  6. Choose one of your kind words or phrases from question 5. Write a full sentence you could say next time instead of calling someone a bad name.




lenny
lenny

Quiz

Quick Quiz

lenny

Answer Key

Answer Key: School Rules Quick Quiz

This answer key corresponds to the School Rules Quick Quiz.

1. Which of these is NOT a place where school rules apply?

Correct Answer: Your home

Explanation: School rules apply to all areas on school property (classroom, gym, playground), but not at home.

2. Which of the following is an example of following the “Be Kind” rule on the playground?

Correct Answer: Saying “please” and “thank you”

Explanation: Using polite language shows kindness and respect. Calling names, pushing, or ignoring others break the “Be Kind” rule.

3. School rules apply when I am walking in the hallway.

Correct Answer: Strongly Agree

Explanation: Hallways are part of the school environment. Following rules—walking safely, keeping hands to oneself, using kind words—keeps everyone safe and respectful.

4. I only need to follow the “Be Kind” rule in the classroom.

Correct Answer: Strongly Disagree

Explanation: Kindness is expected everywhere at school (gym, hallways, playground, cafeteria), not just in class.

5. Describe one way you can follow the “Be Kind” rule outside the classroom (for example, on the playground, in the gym, or in the hallway).

Type: Open Response

Scoring Criteria:

  • Full credit for a response that:
    • Describes a specific kind action (e.g., sharing equipment, offering help, using polite words).
    • Identifies a school location outside the classroom.
  • Partial credit for a general statement of kindness without clear location or example.
  • No credit if the response does not relate to kindness or is off-topic.

Sample Responses:

  • “On the playground, I can invite a friend who is alone to play with us.”
  • “In the hallway, I can say ‘good morning’ and smile at students I pass.”
  • “In the gym, I can cheer for others when they do well and say ‘good job.’”

Teacher Tip: Review each student response for understanding of both location and kind action. Provide feedback to reinforce examples of empathy and respectful behavior in all school settings.

lenny
lenny