Fairness: Make a Difference Monthly

I’m linking up again with Maria’s “Make a Difference Monthly”.

On the first Monday of each month, Maria is collecting a variety of ideas for teaching children about character traits. May was all about Respect, and this month is Fairness.

To be honest, I’ve never actually taught a lesson on fairness.  Obviously it comes up a lot in the classroom, but nothing specific popped into mind when I started thinking about how I teach this important trait.

So I did a google search and the first book I came across was this one:

I haven’t read it yet, but the write-up looks promising and Roxanne, from Books that Heal Kids, highly recommends it. I’ve been peeking in on her blog from time to time and I respect her views.

I found this game from eHow.com

Play Without Rules

Allow students to play a board game or something as simple as tic-tac-toe with a partner. Ask the students to play the game without following any of the rules. For instance, they can take more than one turn at a time or lie about how many spaces they jumped. When the game is over (or before frustrations levels become too high) have the students stop and discuss whether it’s possible or fun to play without fairness.

Read more: Children’s Activities on Fairness

I also came across a song about fairness.

It’s sung to the tune of “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”.

Sharing, sharing, we can share,
While at school and everywhere.
Taking turns and listening, too.
Being fair in all we do,
Sharing, sharing, we can share,
While at school and everywhere.

Source: Developing Character When It Counts, Grade K-1 1999.

Probably one of the most important things you can do is MODEL being fair, and then point it out to your kids when you’re doing that.

If they see YOU acting fairly enough times hopefully they will internalize the trait.

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12 thoughts on “Fairness: Make a Difference Monthly”

  1. I had a difficult time teaching my Student Teacher about Fairness. Geez, some people never grow up!Thanks for sharing about this, we talk about it a lot especially when you have special needs children in your class.~Andi

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  2. My school follows Great Expectations. One part of it is teaching life principles through games, quotes, etc… We try to focus on a different life principle each week. At the end of the year, I made Character Award for the different Life Principles. I think it is something we can't get enough of.I started following you recently, I'd love for you to follow me back.Kelly @I'm Not Your Grandpa, I'm Your Teacher.

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