- Define and explain Why We Have Rules in your own words
- Use key terms such as consequence accurately
- Apply what you have learned to new examples and questions
- Avoid the common mistakes learners make with this topic
Rules are everywhere — at home, at school and even on the playground. They exist to keep us safe, to make things fair and to help people live and learn happily together. In this chapter you will discover why we need rules, how to tell a fair rule from an unfair one, and what happens when rules are broken.
This lesson focuses on Why We Have Rules: explores how rules keep everyone safe, fair and able to get along at home and at school.
Explores how rules keep everyone safe, fair and able to get along at home and at school.
Key ideas
Rules keep us safe
Many rules exist to stop people getting hurt. Road safety rules, no-running rules by the swimming pool and kitchen rules at home all work the same way: they protect us from dangers we might not notice. Ask yourself what could go wrong without the rule, and the reason for it usually becomes clear.
Fair rules, unfair rules
A fair rule applies to everyone equally and has a good reason behind it, such as everyone tidying up so the classroom stays pleasant. An unfair rule picks on one person or group for no good reason, like only letting some children use the best toys. If a rule seems unfair, it is worth asking politely why it exists and whether it treats everyone the same.
Key term — consequence: A consequence is what happens as a result of an action — keeping rules builds trust, while breaking them usually leads to a fair penalty.
What is the main reason most rules exist?
To keep people safe and to make things fair for everyone.
Answer: To keep people safe and to make things fair for everyone.
- 'Rules are just there to spoil our fun' Most rules exist to keep people safe or to make things fair for everyone. Try asking what the rule protects before deciding it is pointless.
- 'Unfair rules should just be ignored' Ignoring an unfair rule can cause trouble for you and others. A better approach is to raise it calmly with a teacher or parent and explain why it seems unfair.
Practice
Rules are made by families or schools, while laws are made by a country's government and enforced by the courts.
Fair — it treats every pupil equally and has a clear reason.
Homework helps pupils practise what they learned, so banning it would make learning harder for everyone.
Unfair — it favours one group for no good reason.
Quick check
Which of these best defines "consequence"?
Why do rules need consequences?
- Why We Have Rules: explores how rules keep everyone safe, fair and able to get along at home and at school.
- Rules keep us safe: Many rules exist to stop people getting hurt.
- fair: Something is fair when it treats people equally and gives everyone the same chances, without favouring one person over another.
- Watch out for: 'Rules are just there to spoil our fun'