Topic: Function in the Classroom
Mode: Presentational
Level: Intermediate
Skill: Writing
Competency: I can create a list of rules which I would like to be followed in my classroom or school
Students will work together to create a set of classroom rules
Components of the activity:
- Instructions to students (share as a handout or digitally)
Additional materials needed:
- Paper & writing utensils OR student computers and word processing application
- Markers/colored pencils (optional)
Instructions to the teacher
Note: Even if you already have a set of classroom rules posted, it is still valuable to ask students to identify rules that they feel are important for a successful learning environment. If you do have your own rules posted, you might challenge your students to only select one or two of your rules and then to add three more to their list. This activity allows students to express their needs and values as learners and to work collaboratively with their peers to create a list that represents their shared views.
Ask students to work on their own to draft a list of 3-5 rules in the target language that they feel are essential for them to have a safe, positive, and supportive learning environment. Tell them to think beyond the “raise your hand before you talk” rule. After students have completed their individual lists, they will get into groups of 3-5 and share their rules. They must then come to an agreement as a group and select 5 rules which they feel are most important. It may help to provide students with relevant expressions to facilitate their group discussions (e.g. This is important to me because…, I feel this rule is the most important because)
Ask them to write their group’s 5 rules on a paper or using a computer. You may also choose to ask them to decorate their rule sheet with images that represent their rules. The groups will each then present their rules to the class. Optionally, you may choose to incorporate some of their rules into your own classroom rules. You may also choose to display these rule sheets around your classroom.
Instructions to students
- You will work on your own to draft a list of 3-5 rules in the target language that you feel are essential to having a safe, positive, and supportive learning environment. Think of what will personally support you in your learning.
- You will get into groups of 3-5 and share your rules with each other in the target language. Staying in the target langauge, you will discuss with your group which rules you feel are the most important from those you have each shared. Come to an agreement as a group to select 5 rules which you feel are most important for your classroom.
- Work together either in a shared electronic document or on a piece of paper to write your 5 rules neatly. Your teacher may ask you to decorate your rule document with images that represent your rules.
- Present your rules as a group to your classmates.