Grades 1–3
Why Do We Have Rules?
A thinking page about why rules matter: rules in three places, what would happen with no rules, and a drawing of a rule that keeps us safe.
Classroom management printable · Classroom rules and expectations
Spot the Unexpected Choices
A short lunchtime story to read like a detective: find Jake’s three unexpected choices, Priya’s expected ones and better choices for Jake.
- Grade level
- Grades 2–5
- Time
- About 15 minutes
- Answer key
- Yes, page 2 of the PDF
- Kids practice
- Classroom expectations, Safe and kind choices, Shared responsibility, Problem solving
What kids do
“Read about Jake and Priya’s lunch. Look for the unexpected choices, then answer the questions.”
Printed on the sheet:
- Jake cut in front of three kids in the lunch line.
- He sat with Priya, who shared her grapes with him.
- Jake threw his milk carton at the trash can, missed and left it on the floor.
- When the bell rang, Priya pushed in her chair and waved goodbye.
- Jake ran down the hallway to be first at recess.
- 1. How many unexpected choices did Jake make?
- 2. Name one expected choice Priya made.
- 3. What should Jake do about the milk carton?
Teacher tip
Read the story aloud like a detective and let kids raise a hand when they spot a choice.
How to use it
- Act out examples of following and not following each expectation.
- Revisit expectations after long breaks and before special days.
- Print it on colored paper so kids and helpers can spot it quickly.
Watch for
Expectations that look different at home. Talk about how rules change by place.
Talk about it
- What does following this rule look like?
- How can this help you be ready to learn?
Take it further
Send a copy home so families know the expectations.
US Letter, prints well in black and white. Free for home and classroom use: print as many copies as you need.
More classroom rules and expectations worksheets
Grades K–1
Safe or Not Safe?
A cut-and-sort for K and 1st grade: twelve school choices, like walking in the hall or climbing on desks, sorted into safe and not safe.
Grades 2–4
Class Rules Quiz
Eight multiple-choice classroom situations, from a broken pencil during a test to a friend talking at story time, to check that the rules make sense.
Grades 2–5
Tablet and Computer Rules
Classroom device expectations for tablets and laptops: carrying, charging, safe sites, kind messages and passwords, with a student promise to sign.
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