Curriculum area:
Social Studies
Art

Grade level:
3-5

Objectives:
The students will participate in making rules for the classroom.

Materials needed:
Construction paper
scissors
pencil or marker

Time estimate to complete:
30-40 minutes

Procedure:
1. Discuss with the students the definition of community. Be sure to focus on what a community would be like without laws, such as stop signs, stealing, etc.
2. Explain to students that the classroom is like a commnity, and talk about the difficulties if everyone just did what they wanted.
4. Brainstorm rules that the students feel are important to allow learning to take place. (Guide the students to the things you feel are most important).
5. The students then choose a piece of construction paper with a color that represents them. (This can either be their favorite color, multicultural skin color, etc.). They each trace their hand on the paper and cut it out.
6. The students then write one rule for their "Community" on each finger and the thumb.
7. Tape the hands on their desks. (My third graders sit at tables so I tape each hand touching the others to form a circe).
8. These hands stay on the tables all year as a reminder that everyone is responsible for the learning that takes place in the classroom.

I have used this in my class for several years, and have found that it is a very effective way to develop teamwork in the room. The students see that when one person breaks a rule it affects everyone. It is also a great way to begin a year-long discussion of our government since the classroom is like a city, and the school is like a state, and the district is like a country.