Boston Public Schools Rulemaking Committee

Words for rules: must, can, cannot, and more

Intermediate ESOL Lesson

Today's Learning Objectives

Use words like must, have to, can, and cannot in clear sentences about school rules.
Talk about the good points and bad points of different school rules for the student guidebook.
Explain your group’s rule and why you picked those words to the class.

Modals: what they mean and how strong

Each word has a meaning and a place on the line. must not is at 0% and must is at 100% . Other words use steps of 5% (for example 25%, 45%). We discuss this in class.

Quick reference

Modal Meaning Example
Must not Very strong “no” (serious / danger) Students must not smoke on campus.
Cannot Not allowed Students cannot leave during lunch.
Don't have to You don’t need to (optional) You don't have to bring a lunch.
Can It is allowed / you are able to You can use the library after school.
Have to The school or the law says you have to You have to wear a seatbelt.
Must Very strong “you have to” (you feel it inside) Students must arrive on time.
0% Strongest prohibition
100% Strongest obligation

Should students be able to eat ice cream in school?

The Ice Cream Question

Pros
Makes students happy and energetic.
Can be a reward for good behavior.
It's a fun treat during long days!
Cons
It's messy and could ruin property.
Not a healthy snack for every day.
Can cause sticky desks and floors.

How Modals Change the Rule

One word changes everything!
Students must eat ice cream in school. (Required!)
Students have to eat ice cream in school. (It's the rule.)
Students can eat ice cream in school. (Allowed.)
Students cannot eat ice cream in school. (Not allowed.)
Students don't have to eat ice cream. (Optional.)
Students must not eat ice cream in school. (Forbidden!)

Your Mission: The Guidebook

01
Talk About the Topic
In your group, talk about the good points and bad points of your topic.
02
Pick Your Words
Pick the best words (like must, can, cannot) to say your rule in a clear sentence.
03
Get Ready to Explain
Be ready to say why you picked those words and how your rule helps students at school.

Group Roles: Pick Your Number!

01
Writer #1
You will write the final rule for Topic 1: Cell Phones .
02
Writer #2
You will write the final rule for Topic 2: Using AI .
03
Writer #3
You will write the final rule for Topic 3: Dress Code .
04
Writer #4
You will write the final rule for Topic 4: Tardiness .
05
Writer #5
You will write the final rule for Topic 5: The Ultimate Debate!

Topic 1: Cell Phones in School

Consider:

Are they a distraction or a learning tool?
Should they be allowed in class? In the hallways? During lunch?
What are the good points and bad points?

Topic 2: AI on Assignments

Should students be allowed to use AI (like ChatGPT) for schoolwork?
Does AI help learning or hurt learning?
When is it OK to use AI?
How can we make sure work is really the student’s own (honest work)?
Will students need AI for jobs later?

Topic 3: Dress Code and Uniforms

Should there be a dress code or a required uniform for BPS students?
Does it help students feel like one group, or stop them from showing their own style?
Is it more affordable or more expensive for families?
How does it change life at school and paying attention in class?
What are fair rules — not too strict, not too loose?

Topic 4: Late and Absent

What should the rule be for students who are late or miss school?
How does being late or absent change learning for one student and for the class?
What is fair if you are late or absent?
What about special reasons (for example, sick days)?
How can we get more students to come to school?

Topic 5: Security Cameras Everywhere!

Should BPS have security cameras in all classrooms and hallways?
Does it make the school safer for everyone?
Does it take away our privacy and trust?
How does it change how school feels?
Is it a good use of school money?

The Teacher Check-In

Raise Your Hand!
When your group has a final rule, raise your hand.
Groups A & B:
Matt will check
Groups C & D:
Marlie will check
Be Ready to Justify!
Explain why you chose your modal. You can move to the next topic after the check!

Defending Your Rule

Why these words?
Say why you used must, can, or cannot . How does the rule sound different?
What was hard to decide?
What were the most important good points and bad points your group talked about?
People at School
How will this rule help students and teachers at school?

Review & Next Steps

Today, we saw how words like must, can, and cannot change what a rule means.
We practiced good points and bad points and explaining our ideas to the class.
Look for these words in real life — for example, at school, on signs, and in letters from school.
Great work today, Rulemaking Committee!
The BPS Student Guidebook is in good hands.