Is That a Rule or a Law? Learning About Civics and Citizenship!

In the primary school, teachers are tasked with the job of helping students develop an understanding of laws, civics and citizenship. Students typically investigate how rules and laws affect them and the lives of others. They also examine the difference between rules and laws and consider why laws are important. To avoid this being a very dry and boring topic, we’ve created a game of Scoot! Your students can now explore these concepts in an enjoyable way.

This activity is designed to have your students think about different social and community situations and determine whether the statements are simply rules or actual laws that must be followed. 

How Does the Activity Work?

1. Hang the cards around the room or place them on desks in numerical order. Assign each student to a starting card and provide an allotted amount of time for students to read the question.
2. Students write ‘rule’ or ‘law’ for each question on their recording sheet in the matching numbered box.

Throughout this activity, while demonstrating their ability to distinguish between rules and laws, students will also be developing an understanding of how rules and laws keep people safe.

Tips for Differentiation + Scaffolding 

A team of dedicated, experienced educators created this resource to support your Civics and Citizenship lessons. 

You could further modify the resource/write new examples by using the Google Slides version.

If you have a mixture of above and below-level learners, check out these suggestions for keeping students on track with the concepts: 

🆘 Support Struggling Students

Some ways to help struggling students with the activity are:

• provide read-aloud accommodations or allow students to partner up to complete the readings
• complete the activity as a whole class by reading each card aloud and discussing the answers
• complete the activity in a small group or in a one-to-one session.

➕ Challenge Fast Finishers

• Challenge fast finishers to extend the activity by writing sentences or a narrative focusing on what happens when rules and laws are not followed.
• Have students make anchor charts or posters outlining critical classroom/school rules and community laws.

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or Google Slides version of this resource. A recording sheet and answer key are also included with this download. 

Print on thick card for added durability and longevity. Place all pieces in a folder or large envelope for easy access. 

This resource was created by Lindsey Phillips, a Teach Starter Collaborator. 

Don’t stop there! We’ve got more activities and resources that cut down on lesson planning time:  

[resource:653440] [resource:657741] [resource:662183]