Lesson Plan

Norms in Action Lesson Plan

Students will collaboratively establish clear, respectful group norms and create a visual poster to foster a positive social-emotional environment and build shared ownership.

Co-creating norms and engaging in hands-on poster design empowers students, increases accountability, and enhances group cohesion—key skills for teamwork and a supportive classroom culture.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up Discussion

5 minutes

Step 2

Importance of Norms

3 minutes

Step 3

Generate Group Norms

10 minutes

Step 4

Create Norms Poster

7 minutes

Step 5

Gallery Walk & Reflection

5 minutes

Slide Deck

Norms in Action

Welcome everyone! Today we’ll work together to create norms that help our groups feel safe, respected, and effective.

Objectives

Read through the objectives and then explain why each is important for today’s work.

Warm-Up Discussion

Write the prompt on the board. Give students 30 seconds to think, then ask volunteers to share one word or phrase.

Why Do We Need Norms?

Define norms in your own words and connect to student experiences.

Generate Group Norms

Explain each step clearly and circulate among groups to support their brainstorming.

Reflection & Share

Invite each group to share one norm and its rationale. Note common themes on chart paper.

Display Our Norms

Collect finalized charts and post them in the room. Thank students for their contributions.

Lesson Plan

Norms in Action Lesson Plan

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

Step 1

Warm-Up Discussion

Step 2

Importance of Norms

Step 3

Generate Group Norms

Step 4

Create Norms Poster

Step 5

Gallery Walk & Reflection

Slide Deck

Norms in Action

Objectives

Warm-Up Discussion

Why Do We Need Norms?

Generate Group Norms

Reflection & Share

Display Our Norms

Worksheet

Cool Down

Norms in Action

Rebecca.Bibeau