What you will be able to do
tell a rule from a law; explain a purpose for a rule or law; decide whether a rule is clear, safe, and fair
Rules and Laws
How are rules and laws alike, different, and connected to community needs?
Activate what you know
Name a teacher-provided rule for using a classroom material safely. Tell what problem the rule is meant to prevent
- rulean agreed or stated direction for behavior in a particular place or group
- lawa rule made through government that applies in the area governed
- governmentthe people and institutions that make and carry out public decisions
- safetybeing protected from harm
- fairnesstreating people justly while considering needs and rights
- consequencewhat happens because of an action or decision
- reviseto change something so it works better
1
Rules and Laws Guide Behavior at Different Levels
Rules guide behavior in places and groups such as classrooms, libraries, pools, games, and clubs. A rule might say to return shared materials so others can find them. The people responsible for the setting often create or explain its rules. Good rules should be understandable and connected to a real purpose. Laws are made through government and apply within the government’s area, called a jurisdiction. A traffic law is not just a classroom choice; people using the public road must follow it. Rules and laws can both support safety, fairness, order, rights, or shared resources, but they are not the same thing
2
People Can Ask About Purpose, Fairness, and Change
A useful rule connects behavior to a reason. ‘Keep away from the wet floor and tell an adult so no one slips’ explains a safety purpose. Consequences should also connect to the behavior and be applied fairly. Fairness does not always mean giving everyone the exact same support; a person may need an accessible path or extra time to participate safely. Rules and laws are made by people, so they can be questioned and revised. Some past laws were unjust and denied people equal rights. Communities can use discussion, petitions, courts, elections, and lawmaking to change laws. In Grade 1, we begin by asking: What is the purpose? Who is affected? Is the direction clear, safe, and respectful of rights?
Ask Who Made It and Where It Applies
A classroom or group direction is usually a rule. A public requirement made through government is a law
Connect Direction to Reason
Ask the learner to finish: ‘The rule says ___. Its purpose is ___.’ If the reason is unclear, look for more information rather than inventing one
A Rule Is Not Automatically Fair
Rules and laws should be examined. People can explain concerns and work through fair processes to revise directions that cause harm or deny rights
Improve a Fictional Rule
Review this rule: ‘Only fast readers may use the reading corner.’ Explain the fairness problem and revise it so all learners can use the shared space
Rules guide particular groups or settings, while laws are made through government for a jurisdiction. Both should have a clear purpose, and people can examine their safety, fairness, consequences, and effects
Practice and answer guide
Work through all 8 questions. Open an answer only after you have written or explained your response.
- 1. Which is most likely a classroom rule? A. Put shared scissors back in the tray. B. Drivers stop at red lights. C. Buildings must follow the town fire code
Check answer
Put shared scissors back in the tray
- 2. Which is a law? A. Vehicles stop for a red traffic light. B. Take turns with the class puppet. C. Raise your hand during this game
Check answer
Vehicles stop for a red traffic light
- 3. Draw a safe way to use a shared classroom material. Add a rule and its purpose
Check answer
Answers will vary. The drawing should show safe use and a connected rule and purpose, such as carrying scissors safely to prevent injury
- 4. How are rules and laws alike?
Check answer
Both guide behavior, have purposes, apply to people in a stated setting or area, and may have consequences
- 5. How are rules and laws different?
Check answer
Rules usually apply to a particular group or place and are made by those responsible there; laws are made through government and apply in its jurisdiction
- 6. Why does ‘Keep away from the wet floor and tell an adult’ help keep people safe?
Check answer
Keeping away prevents a fall, and telling an adult helps a responsible person block, dry, or repair the unsafe area
- 7. What is unfair about ‘Only fast readers may use the reading corner’?
Check answer
It excludes learners because of reading speed, even though the reading corner is a shared learning space
- 8. Revise the reading-corner rule so it is clear and fair. Name its purpose
Check answer
Example: ‘Everyone may use the reading corner during an assigned or chosen turn.’ Purpose: to give all learners fair access and keep the space orderly