Students will be able to define fairness and honesty, identify examples of each in everyday situations, and understand the importance of acting with integrity in their relationships.
This lesson helps students navigate social situations, resolve conflicts, and build trust with peers and adults, fostering positive peer relationships and a respectful classroom environment.
Audience
5th Grade Small Group
Time
15 minutes
Approach
Through discussion, scenario analysis, and reflection, students will explore ethical decision-making.
Greet students and briefly introduce the topic of fairness and honesty. You can use the Fairness & Honesty Slide Deck to guide this. - Ask students: "When you hear the words 'fairness' and 'honesty,' what's the first thing that comes to your mind?" - Have students share one word or a short phrase. Write responses on a whiteboard or chart paper.
Step 2
Defining Fairness & Honesty
3 minutes
Use Slide 2 of the Fairness & Honesty Slide Deck to present clear, age-appropriate definitions of fairness and honesty. - Facilitate a brief discussion: "Why are these two things important in our friendships and at school?" - Encourage students to provide quick examples from their own experiences or observations.
Step 3
Scenario Solutions
7 minutes
Distribute the Fairness & Honesty Scenarios worksheet or display one scenario at a time using Slides 3-5. - Present each scenario and ask students to discuss in their small group: - "Is this fair or unfair? Why?" - "Is this honest or dishonest? Why?" - "What's the 'right' thing to do in this situation, and why is that important?" - Guide the discussion, ensuring all students have a chance to share their perspective and reasoning.
Step 4
Cool Down: Quick Check
3 minutes
Distribute the Cool Down: Quick Check. - Ask students to reflect individually on one thing they learned about fairness or honesty today. - Collect their responses as an exit ticket. - Conclude by emphasizing that practicing fairness and honesty helps everyone feel respected and valued.
Slide Deck
Fairness & Honesty: What's Right?
Let's talk about being fair and honest. What do these words mean to you?
Welcome students. Briefly introduce the topic and tell them we'll be exploring what fairness and honesty mean in our daily lives. Ask them to think about situations where these words come up.
What Do They Mean?
Fairness: Treating everyone equally and justly, giving everyone a chance, and following the rules.
Honesty: Being truthful and trustworthy in your words and actions, even when it's difficult.
Present the definitions clearly. Ask students for quick, simple examples of each, both positive and negative (e.g., 'It's unfair when someone cuts in line,' 'It's honest to tell the truth about a broken rule.'). Connect it to building trust.
Scenario 1: The Group Project
You're working on a group project. One teammate isn't doing their share of the work, but they expect to get the same grade as everyone else. Is this fair? What should you do?
Present the first scenario. Ask the group to discuss: Is it fair/unfair? Honest/dishonest? What's the 'right' thing to do and why? Guide them to consider the impact of actions.
Scenario 2: The Broken Vase
You accidentally broke a vase at home. No one saw you do it. Your younger sibling is in the room. What do you do? Is it honest to stay quiet?
Present the second scenario. Encourage students to think about the consequences of dishonesty and the importance of taking responsibility. What would be the honest choice?
Scenario 3: Choosing Teams
It's time to pick teams for a game at recess. You're one of the captains, and you want to pick all your best friends first, even though some aren't the best players. Is this fair? What's a fair way to pick teams?
Present the third scenario. Discuss how fairness can involve compromise and understanding different perspectives. How can you be fair to everyone, even if you don't get exactly what you want?
Quick Check: Your Turn!
On your paper, write down one new thing you learned about fairness or honesty today. Or, write one way you can show fairness or honesty this week.
Explain that the cool-down is a quick reflection. Collect their papers as they leave.
Worksheet
Fairness & Honesty Scenarios
Read each scenario and discuss with your group:
The Group Project: You're working on a group project. One teammate isn't doing their share of the work, but they expect to get the same grade as everyone else.
Is this fair or unfair? Why?
Is this honest or dishonest? Why?
What's the 'right' thing to do in this situation, and why is that important?
The Broken Vase: You accidentally broke a vase at home. No one saw you do it. Your younger sibling is in the room.
Is it honest to stay quiet? Why or why not?
What's the 'right' thing to do in this situation, and what might happen?
Choosing Teams: It's time to pick teams for a game at recess. You're one of the captains, and you want to pick all your best friends first, even though some aren't the best players.
Is this fair or unfair? Why?
What's a fair way to pick teams, and how does that make everyone feel?
Cool Down
Cool Down: Quick Check
Name: ____________________________
On the lines below, write down one new thing you learned about fairness or honesty today. Or, write one way you can show fairness or honesty this week.
