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The Invisible Rulebook

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Lesson Plan

Uncovering Our Unspoken Agreements

Students will be able to identify and discuss unspoken social norms within their school environment and understand their role in fostering a positive school climate.

Understanding unspoken social norms helps students navigate school dynamics, avoid misunderstandings, and contribute to a more inclusive and respectful community for everyone.

Audience

8th Grade Class

Time

40 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion and reflection on social cues.

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: Social Norms Quick Poll

5 minutes

  • Begin with the Social Norms Quick Poll to gauge students' initial understanding of unspoken rules.
  • Ask students to share a few responses and briefly discuss their answers as a whole class.

Step 2

Introduction: The Invisible Rulebook

5 minutes

  • Introduce the concept of

Step 3

Warm-Up: Social Norms Quick Poll

5 minutes

  • Begin with the Social Norms Quick Poll to gauge students' initial understanding of unspoken rules.
  • Ask students to share a few responses and briefly discuss their answers as a whole class.

Step 4

Introduction: The Invisible Rulebook

5 minutes

  • Introduce the concept of
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Slide Deck

The Invisible Rulebook

Understanding Unspoken Social Norms at School

What are these mysterious rules?

Welcome students and introduce the topic of the invisible rulebook. Explain that today we'll be exploring the unspoken rules that guide our interactions at school.

What Are Social Norms?

  • Unwritten rules that guide behavior
  • Expectations for how we act in different situations
  • Often learned by observing others
  • Help make social interactions smoother

Think: What's a 'rule' everyone knows, but no one ever told you directly?

Ask students to consider what social norms are. Guide them to think about rules that aren't written down but everyone seems to follow. Encourage sharing examples.

Why Do They Matter?

  • Create a positive school climate
  • Promote respectful interactions
  • Help us understand others and be understood
  • Avoid misunderstandings and conflicts

How do these 'invisible rules' make school a better place for you and others?

Discuss why these unspoken rules are important for a positive school environment. Emphasize that understanding them helps everyone feel comfortable and respected.

Norms Change with the Setting

What's okay in one place might not be okay in another!

Examples:

  • Library vs. Cafeteria
  • Classroom vs. Playground
  • Hallway vs. Assembly

Can you think of other places where the 'rules' shift?

Introduce the idea of different settings having different norms. Use the examples provided and ask students to think of others. This helps them see how context changes expectations.

Becoming a Social Norm Detective

How can you figure out the unspoken rules?

  • Observe: Watch how others act, especially those who seem to fit in well.
  • Listen: Pay attention to what people say (and don't say).
  • Empathize: Think about how your actions might make others feel.
  • Ask: If you're unsure, it's okay to politely ask a trusted peer or adult.

What are some good ways to observe?

Explain how students can 'decode' these invisible rules: by observing, listening, and asking when unsure. Encourage empathy and thinking about others' perspectives.

Let's Uncover Our Unspoken Agreements!

Time to put on your detective hats!

  • We'll work together to identify some of our school's 'invisible rules.'
  • Think about how these norms help our school community.
  • Let's create a more understanding and respectful environment for everyone!

Transition to the discussion activity. Explain that they will work together to uncover some of their school's invisible rules and how they contribute to a positive environment.

Your Role in Our School Climate

Every one of you helps shape our school's invisible rulebook.

  • Be mindful of your actions.
  • Be respectful of others.
  • Keep reflecting: What new 'invisible rules' have you noticed today?

Together, we make our school a great place to learn and grow!

Conclude by reiterating the importance of understanding and contributing to a positive school climate through awareness of social norms. Encourage continued reflection.

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Discussion

What's Expected Here? Group Discussion

Objective: To collaboratively identify and discuss unspoken social norms within our school environment.

Instructions:

  1. Break into small groups (3-4 students).
  2. Discuss the questions below and record your group's thoughts.
  3. Be prepared to share your insights with the whole class.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Think about different areas of our school (e.g., classroom, library, cafeteria, hallway, gym, outside).

    • What are some unspoken rules or expectations for behavior in each of these places?
    • For example, in the library, what do people just know they should or shouldn't do even if there isn't a sign?











  2. Why do you think these unspoken rules exist? What purpose do they serve in making our school a better place?





  3. Can you think of a time when someone might have accidentally broken an unspoken rule because they didn't know it existed? What happened?





  4. How can we, as a school community, help new students or others who might be struggling to understand these

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Warm Up

Social Norms Quick Poll

Instructions: Read each statement and choose the option that best reflects your experience or opinion. There are no right or wrong answers, just what you think!

  1. When someone is speaking in class, I should...

    • A) Call out my answer loudly
    • B) Raise my hand and wait to be called on
    • C) Whisper to a friend about my thoughts
    • D) Start packing up my bag



  2. If I see a classmate drop their books in the hallway, the unspoken expectation is often to...

    • A) Keep walking and ignore it
    • B) Point and laugh
    • C) Offer to help them pick them up
    • D) Tell a teacher immediately



  3. In the school cafeteria, it's generally expected that I will...

    • A) Leave my trash on the table for someone else
    • B) Clean up my own mess and push in my chair
    • C) Throw food at my friends
    • D) Take food from other people's trays



  4. When walking in the hallway during class changes, it's often an unspoken rule to...

    • A) Run as fast as I can to my next class
    • B) Walk on the right side and keep moving
    • C) Stop in the middle of the hallway to chat with friends
    • D) Yell across the hall to get someone's attention



  5. I believe understanding unspoken rules helps create a better school environment.

    • A) Strongly Agree
    • B) Agree
    • C) Neutral
    • D) Disagree
    • E) Strongly Disagree



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The Invisible Rulebook • Lenny Learning