Fairness

Some traits of fairness include: sharing and taking turns, keeping an open mind about opinions that differ from yours, not blaming others, playing by the rules, and respecting the rights of others.

Challenge Activity

1)  Read the book, MALALA'S MAGIC Pencil, by Malala Yousafzai. OPTION...with your buddy class. Have an interactive conversation with your students related to the character trait of FAIRNESS. Click here for an online version of the book. 

 

 

2) Using the Sanford Harmony MeetUp/BuddyUp model, discuss & agree on a FAIRNESS goal related to the book and have a discussion about the book’s theme focusing on fairness. When possible, check-in with your students throughout the month of January to see how they are putting to practice the trait of being FAIR in their lives. 

Example:

MeetUp: Established a class goal related to FAIRNESS, for example, taking turns, play by the rules, listen to people with an open mind, etc., discussed and agreed on by the students during the MeetUp session.

BuddyUp: Pair/group students for a brief discussion on the goal. Here are some example “Quick connection” conversation questions:

Discussion Questions for Malala's Magic Pencil?

1. For what does Malala wish for every night and how did she come up with this idea?

2. What are some things Malala would draw with her special pencil?

3. What does Malala see one day that makes her and her father very sad?

4. What would Malala “erase” with her magic pencil?

5. What new rule do powerful men make in Malala’s country?

6. What are some words that could describe the main character, Malala?

7. What happens when Malala speaks up for what she believes in?

8. Why do Malala’s actions show that she is brave?

9. Where does Malala find her magic?

10. How does Malala show fairness?
11. How can you show fairness?

or

Click here for Google Slideshow to project questions for students.

---

Bonus Activity for the Upper Grades (3-5): These are great!

Malala talk about her book, Malala's Magic Pencil. (2 minutes) 

Malala's Noble Peace Prize Acceptance (4 mins)

Malala on the Ellen Show (8 mins)

A message from Malala (2:17 mins)

BrainPop: Malala (You'll need a UN & PW) 

Five Empowering Messages from the book 

 

Strictly No Elephants

by Lisa Mantchev

(Inclusion)

 

---

For the Right to Learn

by Rebecca Langston-George

(Human Rights, Education)

---

OTHER BOOKS:

• Fairness Counts, by Mary Elizabeth Salzmann
• Do Unto Otters, by Laurie Keller. 
• It’s Not Fair, by Amy Rosenthal. 
• A Taste of Colored Water, by Matt Faulkner, 4/5 grade
• Scholastic's 100 Books That Build Character

Malala Power of Words

 

Learning to Play Fair: Is it the same for kids around the world?  

(Grades 4-5)

• “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

• ---

  “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.” – U.S. Declaration of Independence

• ---

  “When you’ve…walked through that doorway of opportunity, you do not slam it shut behind you. You reach back, and you give other folks the same chances that helped you succeed.” – Michelle Obama

• ---

  “I look to a day when people will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”  -Martin Luther King, Jr.

• ---

  “Being good is easy, what is difficult is being just.” – Victor Hugo

• ---

  "Teach all men to fish, but first teach all men to be fair. Take less, give more"

Basketball team gets unlikely support (grades 4/5)

 

A Second Honeymoon! (grade 5) 

 

Kid President "How to Change the World" 

 

Elmo and Cookie Monster learn about sharing (primary grades) 

 

MLK's "I Have A Dream" speech (grades 4/5)

Check out other stories and quotes by kids doing the fair thing! 

 

Fairness Inspiration