Lesson Plan
School Zones Success Lesson Plan
Students will understand and practice positive behaviors in the cafeteria, hallway, and playground to foster a respectful and safe school environment through interactive discussions, real-life role-plays, and personal reflection.
Establishing clear behavior expectations reduces conflicts, promotes safety, and builds respect in shared spaces—key to a positive school climate and successful student interactions.
Audience
5th Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussions and role-playing stations
Materials
- Behavior Expectation Posters, - Cafeteria Scenario Cards, - Hallway Scenario Cards, - Playground Scenario Cards, - Role-Play Props Kit, - School Zones Reflection Worksheet, - Whiteboard and Markers, and - Timer or Stopwatch
Prep
Prepare Materials & Classroom
10 minutes
- Print and laminate Behavior Expectation Posters.
- Cut and shuffle each set of Cafeteria Scenario Cards, Hallway Scenario Cards, and Playground Scenario Cards.
- Gather the Role-Play Props Kit (e.g., lunch trays, cones, books).
- Make individual copies of the School Zones Reflection Worksheet.
- Arrange tables and chairs into three small-group stations for role-plays.
Step 1
Introduction & Objective
5 minutes
- Welcome students and display the Behavior Expectation Posters.
- Read aloud the lesson objective: practicing positive behaviors in our shared spaces.
- Briefly discuss why respect and safety matter in each zone.
Step 2
Brainstorm & Discuss
7 minutes
- Divide class into three groups and assign each to a station: Cafeteria, Hallway, Playground.
- At each station, groups read the corresponding poster and brainstorm expected behaviors; record ideas on the whiteboard.
- Rotate groups so every student visits all three stations.
Step 3
Role-Play Stations
10 minutes
- Students return to one station and draw a scenario from the matching scenario cards.
- In small groups, students use the Role-Play Props Kit to act out both correct and incorrect behaviors.
- Teacher circulates, offers feedback, and highlights positive choices.
Step 4
Reflection & Exit Ticket
5 minutes
- Distribute the School Zones Reflection Worksheet.
- Students choose one zone, list two behaviors they will practice, and explain why.
- Collect worksheets as exit tickets.
Step 5
Wrap-Up & Reinforcement
3 minutes
- Review the top behaviors for each zone and reinforce expectations.
- Encourage students to refer to posters daily and praise efforts.
- Remind students that practicing these behaviors keeps everyone safe and respected.
Slide Deck
School Zones Success
5th Grade Behavior Expectations
Cafeteria · Hallway · Playground
Welcome everyone! This slide introduces our lesson on behaving in key school zones. Connect with students and set a positive tone.
Objective & Agenda
Objective:
Students will understand and practice positive behaviors in the cafeteria, hallway, and playground to foster a respectful and safe school environment.
Agenda:
• 5 min – Introduction & Why It Matters
• 7 min – Brainstorm & Discuss
• 10 min – Role-Play Stations
• 5 min – Reflection & Exit Ticket
• 3 min – Wrap-Up & Reinforcement
Read the objective aloud and walk through the agenda so students know what to expect.
Why Respect & Safety Matter
• Prevents conflicts and accidents
• Builds a positive school community
• Ensures everyone feels safe and respected
Lead a brief discussion: Ask students why following rules keeps everyone safe and respectful.
Behavior Expectation Posters
Review the Behavior Expectation Posters for each zone:
• Cafeteria
• Hallway
• Playground
Display the posters around the room or project them. Explain that these outline expected behaviors.
Brainstorm & Discuss
- Divide into three groups: Cafeteria, Hallway, Playground
- At your station, read the poster and brainstorm expected behaviors
- Record ideas on the whiteboard
- Rotate until every group visits each station
Explain stations and rotations. Assign groups, point to posters, and set the timer.
Role-Play Stations
- Return to one station of your choice
- Draw a scenario from the matching cards: Cafeteria Scenario Cards, Hallway Scenario Cards, or Playground Scenario Cards
- Use the Role-Play Props Kit to act out correct and incorrect behaviors
- Teacher circulates to offer feedback
Help students draw scenario cards, find props, and guide role-plays. Monitor for positive examples.
Sample Scenarios
• Cafeteria: Carrying your tray safely to the table
• Hallway: Walking quietly in a line without pushing
• Playground: Taking turns on the swing set
Share concrete examples to spark student ideas and build confidence before role-plays.
Reflection & Exit Ticket
• Grab your School Zones Reflection Worksheet
• Choose one zone
• List two behaviors you will practice
• Explain why these behaviors matter
• Turn in your worksheet as your exit ticket
Distribute worksheets and explain expectations. Circulate to support reflection.
Wrap-Up & Reinforcement
• Review top behaviors for each zone
• Remind students to refer to the posters daily
• Praise positive choices and encourage helping others follow expectations
Quickly review student responses if time allows. Reinforce top behaviors and praise effort.
Remember Our School Zones
Practicing respect and safety in the cafeteria, hallway, and playground helps everyone learn and grow.
Let’s make our school zones successful every day!
Close the lesson on a positive note and encourage students to apply what they’ve learned every day.
Worksheet
School Zones Reflection Worksheet
Name: _________________________ Date: _______________
Which zone did you choose? (Circle one: Cafeteria Hallway Playground)
List two behaviors you will practice in this zone:
- Behavior:
Why is this behavior important?
- Behavior:
Why is this behavior important?
How will you remind yourself to practice these behaviors every day?
Thank you for reflecting! Keep your worksheet in your binder as a reminder to make our school zones successful.
Reading
Cafeteria Behavior Expectations
- Line up quietly and wait your turn
- Keep all food on your tray
- Use inside voices and polite manners
- Clean up spills and throw away trash
- Say “please,” “thank you,” and “excuse me”
Hallway Behavior Expectations
- Walk on the right side in a single file
- Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself
- Use quiet voices and respectful words
- Follow your teacher’s directions
- Move safely and stay in line
Playground Behavior Expectations
- Include others and take turns on equipment
- Use equipment safely and follow playground rules
- Keep hands and feet to yourself
- Line up quickly and quietly when the bell rings
- Use kind words and help friends play safely
Activity
Cafeteria Scenario Cards
- Two students bump trays and spill food.
- A student speaks loudly, disturbing others.
- Someone forgets to say “please” and “thank you.”
- A spill happens and no one helps clean it up.
- Trash is left on the floor under the table.
Hallway Scenario Cards
- Two classmates race and bump into other students.
- A student stops in the middle of the hall to chat.
- Someone pushes through the line to get ahead.
- A student drops books and doesn’t pick them up.
- Friends chatter loudly outside the classroom door.
Playground Scenario Cards
- Two friends argue over whose turn it is on the swing.
- A student pushes at the top of the slide.
- A child is left out of a group game and looks sad.
- A stray ball accidentally hits someone.
- The bell rings but students continue playing instead of lining up.