The Rule Doesn't Say...
TARGET:
6-8 years
INTENSITY:
20 min / 2x per week
LEARNING GOAL
Developing My Human-Human Co-Intelligence
PEDAGOGICAL INTENTION
Setting Fair, Equitable, and Respectful Rules
Target SKILLS
Socio-emotional Intelligence
Co-Intelligence Human-Human
Critical Thinking
MATERIALS
Moral dilemma cards (age-appropriate)
Reasoning discussion protocol
DETAILED PROCEDURE
This activity works best one-on-one, or with one child at a time within a small group. Explain calmly to the child: "Rules can't cover every situation. Sometimes you have to figure out the right thing to do when no one told you."
Step 1
Present dilemmas not covered by explicit rules: you see someone being excluded but no rule says you have to intervene / a friend asks you to keep a secret that worries you.
Step 2
Invite the children to reason through: what values are at stake? What would a caring person do?
Step 3
Say gently to the child: "When no rule covers it, ask yourself: what would I be proud of if someone I respect saw what I chose?"
Step 4
Introduce the concept of moral intuition as a guide.
Step 5
Step 6
Step 7
Step 8
Step 9
Step 10
PROGRESS INDICATORS
The child applies values-based reasoning to 2 dilemmas not covered by rules.
The child distinguishes rule-following from moral reasoning.
The child identifies the values at stake in an ambiguous situation.