Rules Help People Stay Safe and Be Fair
Justice stands in a busy school hallway, holding a colorful sign that says RULES as children walk calmly in a line, take turns at the water fountain, and wave to each other with smiles.
- Explain what a rule is and why people make rules.
- Identify rules in two different places, such as home and school.
- Sort actions as following a rule or breaking a rule.
Key terms
- rule
- A way of telling people how to act so things stay safe and fair.
- safe
- Free from harm, danger, or getting hurt.
- fair
- Treating everyone in a way that is equal and right.
- community
- A group of people who live, learn, or work together.
What a Rule Is
A rule is a guide that tells everyone how to act in a certain place or with a certain group. People make rules so that everyone can stay safe and so that things are fair for all. A rule is not a punishment, and it is not only for grown-ups. It applies to everyone in that place or group, which is what helps people get along and take care of one another.
Rules Keep Us Safe and Fair
Many rules exist to keep people from getting hurt. Walking in the hallway keeps children from bumping or falling. Washing your hands before eating keeps you healthy. Other rules keep things fair, like taking turns or waiting in line so everyone gets a chance. When rules protect safety and fairness, they help a whole group of people feel cared for and respected at the same time.
Different Places, Different Rules
Not every place has the same rules, because different places need different things. At a swimming pool you might hear no running, because wet floors are slippery. At a library you might hear use a quiet voice, because people are reading. Both rules make sense for their own place. Learning to notice which rules fit where helps you act the right way wherever you go.
Worked examples
Explain why schools have a rule about walking in hallways.
- Running inside can cause bumps and falls.
- Bumps and falls can hurt people.
- A walking rule keeps people from getting hurt.
- So the hallway rule exists to keep everyone safe.
Answer: The walking rule keeps everyone safe from bumps and falls.
Decide which rule Mia should follow at the library.
- The pool rule is no running, made for the pool.
- Different places have their own rules.
- The library rule is to use a quiet voice.
- So at the library Mia should use a quiet voice.
Answer: Mia should use a quiet voice, because that is the library's rule.
Activity
Sort each picture into the right place: Does it show someone following a rule or breaking a rule?
Practice
Name one rule at home and one rule at school.
Explain how a rule can help keep people safe or fair.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Rules are only for grown-ups.Rules apply to everyone in a place or group, including children, so everyone stays safe.
- The same rule works in every place.Different places have different rules made to fit what that place needs.
Check your understanding
Why do schools have a rule about walking in the hallway?
Mia swims at the pool. The pool rule is No Running. Then Mia goes to the library. Which rule should she follow at the library?
What is a rule?
Recap
A rule tells people how to act so everyone can stay safe and be fair. Rules are found everywhere, like at home, school, the pool, and the library, and different places have different rules. When everyone follows the rules, things go smoothly and people take care of each other.
Reflect
What is one rule you think is important, and why does it matter?