What are school rules?

1

Explain that school rules help people work together. When people follow rules, they get along. Ask: What school rule are the children following? What are the rules in our school?

2

Do you hold the door for your friends?

3

Do you raise your hand when you want to speak?

4

Do you wait in line for a turn?

5

Do you help put books away?

6

Do you share?

7

Do you play safely on the playground?

What are school rules?

Before Reading

What rules do you follow at home?

Background Information

* Experts point out that for many children, kindergarten represents the first experience in formal school. Young children may be intimidated by the size of a big school and the number of students.

* Knowing that students must follow a specific set of school rules gives young children a sense of safety and security in their new surroundings.

* Teaching children a set of classroom rules at the beginning of the school year gives students an understanding of limits.

* Encourage discussion about rules. Ask: What are some important school rules? Why do we need rules? why should children follow rules?

After Reading

Ask: Why should children never run in the halls? Why should children never stand on swings? what are some other school and playground safety rules you follow?

Using the Activity Page

Assess children's ability to analyze pictures.

Literature Connection

* School Rules, by Larry Brimner

* Know and Follow Rules, by Cheri J. Meiners

* Yoko's World of Kindness: Golden Rules for a Happy Classroom, by Rosemary Wells

* Miss Nelson Is Missing! by Harry Allard

* Following Rules, by Robin Nelson

Internet Link

For a list of school rules, go to www.weeklyreader.com/teachers/kindergarten.

Extension Activities

Reading Comprehension/Creative

Expression: Read aloud Rainbow Fish: Don't Cheat, Rusty, by Jodi Huelin. Talk about the way Rusty handles his problem. Ask: Does Rusty follow the rules? How do you know? what are some things Rusty could do? Ask children to draw a new ending for the story.

Big Issues let students make connections.

Have students focus on the photos as you read the text aloud. Ask: Do you hold the door for a friend? How might that make your friend feel? When someone shares with you, how do you feel? If someone does not help put things away, what do you think? As students reflect on their thoughts and feelings, they can see the importance of classroom rules.

Teaching ELLs (English Language Learners)

On an easel pad, write key action words from the issue (walk, speak, raise, hold, share). Use the photos in the issue to illustrate each word's meaning. Then ask children to act out a word. Encourage other children to identify the word.

National Standards Link

Civics and Government Explain the purposes of rules and laws.

A Poem to Share

School Rules

   We have lots of rules at school.
   It's hard to know them all.
   Stand in line; wait your turn.
   Don't run in the hall.

   We want to follow our rules
   And be good kids each day.
   We'll try our best; we really will--
   At school and when we play.

--Susan LaBella