Okay to Break the Rules Lesson Presentation

The interactive lesson presentation, titled "Okay to Break the Rules," engages primary school students in a thought-provoking discussion about the nature and importance of rules. The lesson begins with a starter activity where students, working with a partner, identify three rules they must follow at school and contemplate whether they have ever broken any of these rules. The session progresses to explore the concept of rules, their purpose, and who typically sets them, with students being encouraged to discuss amongst themselves what rules mean to them and whether they've ever had the opportunity to set rules themselves.

As part of the learning journey, students are presented with various scenarios where they must decide whether breaking a rule could be justified. These scenarios range from eating a sibling's cakes without permission to touching animals at the zoo, crossing the street on a red light, drawing on walls, and sharing answers during a spelling test. Students are asked to express their opinions using gestures such as thumbs up, crossed arms, or a shrug. The lesson involves reflection on these situations, questioning the consequences of breaking rules when one is not likely to be caught. It culminates in a class discussion to consolidate thoughts on the acceptability of rule-breaking. Additionally, the lesson touches on broader ethical considerations, such as fairness and safety, and encourages students to vote on whether it's ever okay to break the rules, thereby promoting active citizenship and critical thinking skills.