Behavior Reflection: Students who Misbehave - Why are Rules Important?

When students have chronic misbehavior - whether it be the same rule or a multitude of rules that they struggle (or refuse) to follow, taking the time to actually teach them why rules are important is NEVER a waste of your time.

This activity asks students to first self reflect on the rules that they have broken; to be insightful and try to figure out why they chose to break those rules - in the form of a paragraph. Three videos are then provided for students to watch. The first is a short (6 minute) cartoon about a king who has set too many (ridiculous) rules in his kingdom. Using the video as inspiration, students then write answers to questions such as: What are some of the rules at our school? Does our school have too many rules? Are any of them unfair? What would happen if we got rid of the rules?

A graphic organizer is also provided for students to consider some of the rules that they encounter at school (revise to fit the specifics of your building), and to consider why it was made a rule, and what would happen if that rule went away. The second video (also 6 minutes) is more serious and inspirational - from a teacher point of view. Students will make connections between school rules and the rules they will encounter in their adult lives.

The final video (also 6 minutes) is also quite moving. Students are finally asked to list their goals and to be insightful about excuses and choices that they are making which are hindering their own success.

This activity can be used whole class by teachers, as an activity for students serving detention, or by Deans, Counselors, or even Behavior Coaches. When students understand why something is a rule and how their behavior affects and hurts other people, you will finally see glimpses of empathy, maturity, and self-respect from your toughest students...the frequent flyers on the "naughty list".