We have established that life isn’t fair. We have also established that we need to work to try and to be fair and fight for justice for others. Today I wanted them to understand that fair doesn’t always mean equal. Privileges are often based on external situations. My kids definitely get more privileges as they get older and when they show more responsibility with their actions. They also receive more responsibilities as they age. I wanted my kids to try and identify when something seems fair, unfair or simply unequal. We made little signs, and I had them hold up their opinion on the following situations:
* Some girls at recess decided to play a game, but they didn’t want to include anyone who wasn’t in their group of friends even though there were other girls who wanted to play.
* A younger sibling goes to bed at 8:00 and the older sibling stays up until 9:00.
* Two friends were wanting to share a cookie. One of them cut the cookie in half and the other was able to decide what half they wanted.
* Your older sister has more chores around the house.
* Certain kids were misbehaving in class, so they had to sit at the fence at recess time while other kids got to play.
* Someone in your class brought treats to share. She gave all of the girls two pieces, and she gave all of the boys one piece.
* You and your friend want to play with the same toy. You decide she can play with it for 5 minutes and then you can play with it for 5 minutes.
* Your family is going out to eat with Grandpa and Grandma. You have been disobeying all day. It is decided that you have to stay home.
* Kindergarteners get 20 minutes of homework at night and 5th graders have one hour of homework.
* You are at a party, and you decide you should have a few of the party favors. Because you took a few, some kids didn’t get any.
* You are playing blocks with your brother. He wants to build a tower with the blocks you are using. You work together to create the tower.
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