Discussion Questions: The Dollar Word Challenge (Chapters 3-4)

Instructions:

Discuss the following questions with your group. Remember to use details from Chapters 3 and 4 to support your answers. Practice active listening and show respect for everyone's ideas.

Questions:

1. What big decision does the main character make in Chapter 3? What feelings or emotions might they be experiencing? What do you think motivated this decision, and what steps did they consider (or not consider)?
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. How do the main character's friends react to what happens? How does their reaction demonstrate responsibility or a lack thereof? What role might peer influence play in the main character's actions or their friends' reactions?
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. What are some of the immediate and potential long-term consequences of the main character's actions in Chapter 3? How do these consequences affect the main character and their relationships with others?
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. In Chapter 4, how does the main character try to deal with the problem they created? What specific problem-solving steps do they take? Do you think this is a good approach for making safe and healthy choices? Why or why not?
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. How do other characters in Chapter 4 demonstrate (or not demonstrate) responsible decision-making or conflict resolution skills in helping to solve the problem? Give specific examples from the text.
   
   
   
   
   
   
6. If you were the main character, knowing what you know about consequences and problem-solving, what would you have done differently in Chapter 3 to make a more responsible choice and potentially avoid the problems in Chapter 4?
   
   
   
   
   
   
7. What lessons do you think the main character is learning about friendship, honesty, and responsible choices in these chapters? What qualities make a good friend in these situations?
   
   
   
   
   
   

What If? Scenario Cards

Instructions:

Cut out each scenario card. In your small group, read each scenario and discuss the questions provided. Practice active listening and demonstrate respect for each other's opinions as you explore responsible decision-making and problem-solving. Be ready to share your thoughts with the class!

Scenario Card 1

Scenario: Your friend borrowed your favorite pencil and accidentally broke the tip. They put it back in your pencil case without saying anything, hoping you wouldn't notice.

Discussion Questions:

• What responsibility did your friend have to you and to the shared classroom environment?
• What are the potential consequences of their action (or inaction) for your friendship and for the classroom?
• What problem-solving steps could your friend take to address this situation responsibly?
  * How might this situation impact your relationship? What would be a healthy way to resolve it?
  
  
  
  

Scenario Card 2

Scenario: You promised to help your younger sibling with their homework after school, but then your best friend calls and invites you to play video games right away. They say, "Come on, it'll only be for a few minutes!"

Discussion Questions:

• What responsibility do you have in this situation, both to your sibling and to yourself?
  * What are the consequences if you choose to play video games instead of helping your sibling? What are the consequences if you keep your promise?
  * How might peer influence (from your best friend) affect your decision? What problem-solving steps can you use to make a safe and healthy choice?
  * What would be the most responsible decision, and how would you communicate it to both your sibling and your friend?
  
  
  

Scenario Card 3

Scenario: You and a classmate are working on a group project. You finish your part early, but your classmate keeps putting off their work. The deadline is tomorrow, and their part is essential for the project to be successful.

Discussion Questions:

• What is your classmate's responsibility to the group and to the project? What is your responsibility?
  * What are the potential consequences for the group's grade and your relationship with your classmate if their part isn't done on time?
  * What problem-solving steps could you take to constructively address this situation with your classmate? How can you communicate your concerns respectfully?
  * What would be a responsible way to handle this conflict and ensure a healthy outcome for the project?
  
  

Scenario Card 4

Scenario: You accidentally spill juice on a library book. No one saw you do it, and you could easily wipe it quickly and put the book back on the shelf without anyone knowing.

Discussion Questions:

• What is your responsibility after spilling the juice, both to the library and to yourself?
  * What are the potential consequences if you don't report it? What are the consequences if you do?
  * What problem-solving steps would lead to the most honest and responsible choice in this situation?
  * How does this choice reflect your personal integrity and contribute to a healthy school community?
  
  
  

Scenario Card 5

Scenario: Your teacher asks who broke a classroom rule, and you know it was your friend. Your friend gives you a look that clearly says, "Don't tell!"

Discussion Questions:

• What is your responsibility to your friend, to the teacher, and to the classroom rules?
  * What are the potential consequences for your friend, yourself, and the classroom environment if you keep silent? What are the consequences if you tell the truth?
  * How might peer influence affect your decision? What problem-solving steps can you use to make a responsible and honest choice in this conflict?
  * What would you say or do in this situation to maintain a healthy relationship with your friend while also upholding your responsibility?