1. Understanding Hidden Rules

2. What is a Hidden Rule?
The Hidden Rules are rules that you are expected to know but that no one tells you about.
Types of Hidden Rules
Assumed rules
Expectations for interactions with others
Using figurative language (more on this later in the year!)
Our daily lives are filled with hidden rules, but we usually only notice them if we break them.

3. Categories for Hidden Rules
What to do with your body
Where to stand
When to sit
Where you should go
How much to move
Where/how to look at things
What words to use
Who to talk to
Whether you should use professional words or slang
What voice level is appropriate
When you should talk
How you should react
What to wear
Types of clothes
Safety or special equipment

4. Hidden Rules are EVERYWHERE!
Here are some examples of hidden rules at the movie theatre:
Cell Phone
Choosing seats
Eating food
Talking
Bathroom
Little kids
Personal Space
“adult”
Can you think of any other hidden rules at the movie theatre?
You can have your cell phone out until the previews start.
Choose a seat that is not too close to others. You can sit next to your friends/family, but try to leave at least a seat in between your group and other people, if possible.
Open up any really loud candy/food before the movie or during a loud part.
Don’t talk during a movie. If you HAVE to talk, move your head really close to the listener and whisper.
If you leave for the bathroom during a movie, it’s ok to leave your drinks or food in the cup holders. Leave and come back quietly.
Little kids (like babies or toddlers) shouldn’t come to movies for adults– especially if the movie is at night. This annoys other people.
If someone is sitting next to you, stay in your own personal space. Don’t put your feet, arms, or body in or on someone else’s chair. Each person gets one armrest if the theatre is full.
If you are picking a movie and someone calls a movie “adult,” it means there are things in the movie that aren’t appropriately for kids or teens.

5. What hidden rule is being broken?
(play for 30 seconds)

6. How do I figure out these hidden rules?
Trial and Error
When you get in trouble for something you don’t understand, often there is a hidden rule you have broken. Think about exactly what happened and why the person is upset with you.
Use your reasoning skills to figure out what you should do next time.
Google!
Use the internet! Search things like “What to do if…” or “Rules at the…” or “Rules for…”
Social Skills Lessons
Pay attention in class! Many things that we talk about are really hidden rules.
Safe Person
If you know someone that has good social skills and is safe to trust, you can ask them about hidden rules.

7. Your Turn: hidden rules for…
As a small group, figure out some hidden rules for your assigned situation:
Eating at Mcdonald’s
A school assembly
A fieldtrip to a museum
A family camping trip
Hanging out at a friend’s house
Each group will present their hidden rules. The other groups will have a chance to add rules/ask questions.

8. Exit Ticket
Write down one hidden rule for the school bathroom.