Why explore rules and laws with children?
Rules shape children’s lives at home, at school and in games. They quickly notice when a rule seems silly or unfair. Philosophy helps them ask what rules are for, when exceptions make sense and what makes a law just.
The activities move from a game with no rules and rule-breaking stories to consequences and repair, fair ways of making rules, and Socrates’ refusal to escape prison in Plato’s Crito.
Free activities to download
Ready-to-run EduTrend Contents philosophy enquiry workshops for primary, middle and high school. Each free download includes a step-by-step session plan, facilitator notes, three student worksheets and an assessment checklist. Full 20-week programmes are available in EduStore.
A Game With No Rules
Primary · Ages 5–7
Foundation · 30 min
Young children try a game with no rules and enquire into why games and groups need rules.
Is It Ever Right to Break a Rule?
Primary · Ages 8–11
Developing · 45 min
Pupils consider stories where following a rule causes a problem, and enquire into when rules may be broken.
What Should Happen When Rules Are Broken?
Middle School · Ages 11–13
Intermediate · 50 min
Students compare punishment and restorative approaches and enquire into what should happen after a rule is broken.
Who Should Make the Rules?
Middle School · Ages 12–14
Intermediate · 50 min
Students design rules for a new school club and enquire into what makes a fair way of making rules.
Socrates in Prison
High School · Ages 15–18
Advanced · 60 min
Students explore why Socrates refused to escape from prison in Plato’s Crito and enquire into why people keep the laws of their community.
Liked the free activities? Go further with a 20-week programme.
Each free activity comes from a full EduTrend Contents programme: a Family Guide or Teacher's Guide with one-page session plans for 20 weeks, plus an Assessment Toolkit with rubrics, trackers and certificates. Choose the one for your child's age or your class below. Instant PDF download after checkout.
P4C-531 · 20 WEEKS · $29
Rules Questions at Home
Family · Ages 5–11 with a grown-up
Talking about rules and fairness at home.
P4C-532 · 20 WEEKS · $39
Rules and Laws Enquiries
Primary · Ages 5–11
Class enquiries on rules and exceptions.
P4C-533 · 20 WEEKS · $39
Law Philosophy Lab
Middle school · Ages 11–14
Consequences, justice and unfair laws.
P4C-534 · 20 WEEKS · $45
Rules Enquiry Leaders
High school · Ages 14–18
Lead rules enquiries for younger children.
Photos: Quilia, Debra Brewster, Akshar Dave, Omar Ramadan, Baylee Gramling / Unsplash
Rules and Laws
Explore rules and laws with five free printable philosophy activities, from a game with no rules and rule-breaking stories to consequences, unfair laws and Socrates in prison. For longer learning, choose a 20-week programme for families, primary, middle or high school.
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Rules and Laws
