Module 1 · Activity 1b
Rewrite the house rules
Rewrite an original house rule so that its expectations are clear enough for more people to meet them.
When a person does not fully understand rules — whether because of literacy difficulties, language barriers, cognitive differences, stress or other factors — the consequences can extend far beyond a simple misunderstanding.
- 1. Examine the original
- 2. Choose and rewrite
- 3. Compare and reflect
- 4. Take it into practice
1. Examine the original
Read the text of this notice
House Rules — Information for all inmates
- Cells are to be maintained in a clean, orderly and hygienic condition at all times.
- Personal belongings must remain within the designated storage areas and may not obstruct access to fixtures or communal facilities.
- Bedding shall be arranged in accordance with the prescribed accommodation standard following each period of use.
- Clothing and other personal items are not to be left on the floor, bed, radiator or other unauthorised surfaces.
- Waste must be disposed of promptly in the containers provided and must not be accumulated within the cell.
- Foodstuffs, where permitted, must be stored appropriately and may not be retained beyond the applicable period.
- Furniture and other cell fixtures must remain in their designated positions unless otherwise authorised by staff.
- All cleaning and personal-maintenance requirements must be completed prior to scheduled inspection.
- Failure to maintain the accommodation area in accordance with these requirements may constitute a breach of the establishment's house rules.
- Please follow these rules!!
Clear rules are easier to follow when people understand what they need to do. Choose a rule and explore how you could communicate it more clearly.
You are improving how the rule is communicated, not changing the rule itself.
In a group, participants can discuss their rewrites aloud or use the printed worksheet instead of typing responses here.
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FLEX-ability — Module 1, Activity 1b: Rewrite the house rules
Clear rules are easier to follow when people understand what they need to do. Choose a rule and explore how you could communicate it more clearly. You are improving how the rule is communicated, not changing the rule itself.
Rule 1 — original
Cells are to be maintained in a clean, orderly and hygienic condition at all times.
My rewrite
Rule 2 — original
Personal belongings must remain within the designated storage areas and may not obstruct access to fixtures or communal facilities.
My rewrite
Rule 3 — original
Bedding shall be arranged in accordance with the prescribed accommodation standard following each period of use.
My rewrite
Self-review checklist
- ☐ Is the action clear?
- ☐ Is the wording easier to understand?
- ☐ Have I separated steps where helpful?
- ☐ Have I preserved the original expectation?
- ☐ Would I still need to demonstrate or explain anything?
How could you check that the person understands what to do?
One instruction I could make clearer in my own workplace is…
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Erasmus+ Project FLEX-ability: Developing Flexible Psycho-pedagogical Abilities in Prison Staff · Project number: 2025-1-DE02-KA220-VET-000354207
© 2025–2027 by FLEX-ability Partnership is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/
Printable materials
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