Resource

Why Do We Have Rules?

Overview

In this lesson pupils will think about the purpose of rules by reflecting on what life might be like without them. Pupils will discuss different types of rules in the home, school and wider community and be encouraged to consider their benefits and disadvantages. Through devising the rules for a game, pupils will gain experience of creating, communicating and reviewing rules. The lesson closes with an opportunity for pupils to propose a rule that will improve their school.

To access this content, register for our Primary School Subscription.

More Lessons resources

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS3 (ages 11-14)

Who’s to Blame? (SmartLaw Subscription)

This activity is based on the case of R v. Dudley and Stephens (1884) – two sailors accused of murdering cabin boy Richard Parker, after being cast adrift on the…

Lessons, Sustainability and the Environment, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Plastic Pollution (KS1)

During this lesson children explore the environmental effects of plastic pollution by carrying out a number of experiments. They then go on to consider how they can take action against…

Lessons, Social Action/Active Citizenship, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Making a Difference From Home

Our packs support KS2 and KS3 pupils to plan and deliver their very own mini social action project. By...

More Understanding Rules & The Law resources

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS1 (ages 5-7)

The Big Legal Lesson (ages 5-11)

Join the UK’s biggest legal education campaign during February 2026. To access this content, register for our Primary School Subscription.

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS4 (ages 14-16)

The Big Legal Lesson (ages 11-18+)

Join the UK’s biggest legal education campaign during February 2026. To access this content, register for our Secondary School Subscription.

Lessons, Sustainability and the Environment, KS4 (ages 14-16)

Biodiversity: Using the Law to Drive Change

During this lesson, students consider what biodiversity is, why it is essential to all life on Earth and what is causing its loss. They examine who has responsibility for minimising…

More KS1 (ages 5-7) resources

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Rules: You Can’t Do That Here

In this lesson pupils will consider that some rules are made to keep people safe. They will follow the story of Callum, a Go-Giver who wants to find a place…

Lessons, Politics and Democracy, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Who Runs the Country?

In this lesson pupils explore who runs the country and how they are elected. Pupils will learn about the important role that MPs play in representing the people who live…

Lessons, Sustainability and the Environment, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Plastic Pollution (KS1)

During this lesson children explore the environmental effects of plastic pollution by carrying out a number of experiments. They then go on to consider how they can take action against…