Grade 1 · Social Studies · Civics

1st Grade Rules and Laws worksheets

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Rules and Laws

Grade 1 Social Studies Worksheet

NameDate

Circle the answer.

1.
Is this a rule or a law? “Walk in the hall.”
- law
- rule
2.
Why do we have this rule? “Stay in your seat.”
- So the bus goes faster.
- So the driver can chat.
- So you can see out the window.
- So you stay safe when the bus moves.
3.
The rule is: “Walk on the wet floor.” Who follows it?
- Sam walks by the pool.
- Sam races a friend by the pool.
- Sam slides on the wet floor.
- Sam runs by the pool.
4.
Where do you use this rule? “Take turns on the slide.”
- on the playground
- in class
- in the library
- in the cafeteria
5.
Is this a rule or a law? “Buckle your seat belt in a car.”
- rule
- law
6.
Why do we have this law? “Stop at a stop sign.”
- So the road stays clean.
- So signs last longer.
- So cars use less gas.
- So cars do not crash.
7.
The law is: “Buckle your seat belt in a car.” Who follows it?
- Tara rides with the belt off.
- Tara unbuckles while the car moves.
- Tara buckles her seat belt.
- Tara sits on the belt.
8.
Is this a rule or a law? “Use a quiet voice.”
- rule
- law
9.
Why do we have this rule? “Listen when the teacher talks.”
- So you can talk next.
- So you can learn.
- So you can leave early.
- So the teacher can rest.
10.
Where do you use this rule? “Stay in your seat.”
- at the pool
- on the bus
- at the park
- on the playground

1st Grade Rules and Laws worksheet 1 – printable PDF — Download PDF: 1 2 3 4 5 6

About this worksheet

Rules and laws both guide behaviour, but they work at different levels. A classroom rule is created for a particular group or place, while a law applies across a community and is made through government. First graders often call every direction a law or assume that rules exist only to punish people. This worksheet links each expectation to a concrete purpose: keeping people safe, making play fair, or helping a group learn.

Questions rotate among choosing who follows a rule, explaining why it exists, finding where it applies, and telling a rule from a law. Support versions use familiar school examples; harder versions add roads, cars and stores. Watch whether your child can explain who follows an expectation and why it helps, rather than merely repeating the wording. Purpose is the bridge from obedience to civic understanding.

What your child will learn

Distinguish a group rule from a community law
Connect expectations with safety and fairness
Apply a rule or law to a concrete place
Explain how shared expectations help people

C3 Framework standard: D2.Civ.2.K-2

Worked example

Raising a hand is a classroom rule that gives classmates fair turns. Stopping at a stop sign is a law for everyone who drives in the community.

Common mistake

Calling every direction a law without considering who made it and where it applies.

Helpful hint

Ask who must follow it, where it applies, and what problem it prevents.

Next skill: Community Leaders

Questions parents ask

What is the most common mistake with rules and laws?

Calling every direction a law without considering who made it and where it applies.

How can I help my child with rules and laws?

Ask who must follow it, where it applies, and what problem it prevents.

Are these 1st grade social studies worksheets free to print?

Yes. All 6 printable versions on this page are free to download and print, with no account needed.

More 1st grade civics

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