1. Unequal Rules
Make a heading (title) on your next available page called “Unequal Rules.”

2. Our safety
Our success
Rules are for…

3. Sometimes rules are different for different people
Higher authorities (teachers, parents, etc.) sometimes treat people in unequal ways
They might:
Not enforce rules for some people
Not enforce consequences for some people
Give bigger consequences to some people
Make new rules for some people
This is usually done for a good reason, but you might not know the reason.
To help someone who is struggling in a certain area
To reinforce other, good behavior
Because they have higher expectations for some people (to help them succeed even further)
Because they know someone needs more support
Sometimes rules are different for different people

4. In your notebook (use half the page), draw how you might feel if…
The teacher lets a student leave early every day, but makes you stay until the bell rings
The teacher uses their cell phone in class, but takes away yours if you use it
A student gets to take an outside break, but you don’t
Unequal rules!
It can be really frustrating when you feel like someone is getting unfair treatment or getting the things you want to have. If we understand the reasons for this, it can help us cope with it a little better.

5. What are the guidelines for bending rules?
Look in your notebook for clues!
What are the guidelines for bending rules?

6. I am going to give you many different rule-bending scenarios
I am going to give you many different rule-bending scenarios. In these scenarios, rules are bent differently for different people. They seem unequal.
In small groups, I want you to brainstorm the reasons behind the rule-bending. This might be because of…
something the student/child needs
something the adult needs
something a third person needs.
Try to see things from someone else’s point of view!
After you have time to talk, each small group will share their ideas!
Your job…

7. Why is this rule unequal?
In a family, there is a daughter and a son. The daughter is 12 and the son is 8. The son is not allowed to use paint, but the daughter can paint alone in her room without even asking.
Why is this rule unequal?

8. Why is this rule unequal?
If the son gets his homework done without arguing, he gets to use his DS for an unlimited amount of time for the rest of the night. The daughter only gets to play for 2 hours each night.
Why is this rule unequal?

9. Why is this rule unequal?
The daughter has to do dishes every night, but the son only has to feed the cat once a day. This is a much easier chore.
Why is this rule unequal?

10. Why is this rule unequal?
This family has a 13 year old boy, a 5 year old girl, and an 18 year old girl. The 18 year old was allowed to drive as soon as she turned 16 AND the family helped buy her a car. The boy was told that he will have to wait until he is 17 to get his license.
Why is this rule unequal?

11. Why is this rule unequal?
The older girl is allowed to stay up until 2 am. The boy has to go to bed at 10 pm. The younger girl’s bedtime is 8pm.
Why is this rule unequal?

12. Why is this rule unequal?
The baby gets a lot of attention. Whenever it wants the parents to hold it, it gets held. All it has to do is cry. Her sisters only get attention like half the time they want it.
Why is this rule unequal?

13. On your turn, unwrap as much as you can (one layer at a time).
When the person next to you rolls a 6, it’s their turn.
You keep whatever candy you unwrap.
Candy Game!
Discussion: In what ways were the rules unequal? Were they also unfair? Have you ever played a game in which an adult made easier rules for a younger/new person? Would it be fair if I collected all the candy and distributed it equally (no…sometimes in games, some people win and some people lose. It’s part of the game!)? Did everyone get the same kinds of candy? How did that make you feel?

14. In your notebook (bottom half of the page), write about a time that you experienced unequal rules (at home, at school, or somewhere else). You can use these sentence-starters to help! Write at least 5 sentences.
One unequal rule in my house is…
My brother/sister is allowed to_____, but I’m not…
The reason for the unequal rules in my house is…
One unequal rule at school is…
One time someone made me an exception to a rule was…
Journal!

15. Fairness and Accommodations
In our school, students get individualized help and an education plan. Sometimes, this kind of help is called and “accommodation.”
This is based on the idea of “fair”
Fair isn’t that everyone gets the same
Fair is that everyone gets what they need
Should everyone get glasses just because one student needs them? Would it be “fair” to take away glasses from someone that needs them because no one else has them?
How does this make our school a better place?
Fairness and Accommodations

16. Role-Plays You will now role-play some unequal rule scenarios.
You will be in groups of 3 or 4.
You will have time to practice, and then you will present your role- play in front of the group.
Role-Plays