Activity

All about rules!

Duration: 5 period(s)
Suggested level: Elementary Cycle One
Subject: English Language Arts, Français, langue seconde, Ethics and Religious Culture

Description

Rules are an important part of society. From a young age, children are exposed to a series of rules on a daily basis. However, children and adults alike often question where these rules come from and whether they are fair.

  • Who makes the rules?
  • What is our role in determining the rules and laws that govern our daily activities?
  • Are they fair? 
  • Are all rules part of the law? 

This activity raises children’s awareness of the law through a philosophy for children approach. In the optional concluding activity, children work together to determine classroom rules. If they have a say in making the rules, they’ll be more willing to follow them and understand that the rules are applied democratically.

Educational objectives

  • To raise students’ awareness of the law in their lives 
  • To help students understand where rules come from
  • To help students realize that restrictions and responsibilities are subject to rights and freedoms
  • To establish classroom rules in a democratic manner, which helps ensure students follow them
  • To learn to speak in front of a group

Subjects and subject-specific competencies

  • English Language Arts, Competency 4: To use language to communicate and learn
  • Social Sciences, Competency: To construct his/her representation of space, time and society
  • Ethics and Religious Culture, Competency 1: Reflects on ethical questions
  • Ethics and Religious Culture, Competency 3: Engages in dialogue

Duration

Approximately five periods of 45 to 60 minutes each