How to Discuss Stories to Emphasize Morality

Select the questions most appropriate for the story and the abilities of the child.

Ethical Sensitivity

  1. Did the character care about other people’s feelings? How or how not?
  2. Did the character notice what other people’s needs were? How or how not?
  3. Did the character notice things that were wrong or that hurt other people? How or how not?
  4. Did the character show his or her feelings in a way that didn’t hurt other people or things? How or how not?
  5. Did the character listen and took to heart what other people said? How or how not?
  6. Did the character try to understand how other people thought about things? How or how not?
  7. Did the character try to understand people who were different or from different cultures? How or how not?
  8. Did the character act like a good friend? How or how not?

Other Sensitivity Questions:

  • What was the conflict?
  • What was the worst thing(s) the character faced?
  • How did the character feel about...?

Ethical Reasoning

  1. Did the character try to understand all parts of the problem before deciding what to do? How or how not?
  2. Did the character think about how others might be upset by his or her choices, actions or decisions? How or how not?
  3. Did the character think about doing the right thing? How or how not?
  4. Did the character think about his or her decision afterwards? How or how not?
  5. Did the character try to follow the rules? How or how not?
  6. Was the character positive or optimistic about solving the problem? How or how not?
  7. Did the character try to pick goals and things to do that help the community and show how to do the right thing? How or how not?
  8. Did the character want things to be fair for everyone? How or how not?

Other Judgment Questions:

  • What else could have been done?
  • What would happen if...?

Ethical Focus

  1. Did the character show good self control over his or her own behaviors? How or how not?
  2. Did the character care about what other people thought was right? How or how not?
  3. Did the character try to be the best he or she could be? How or how not?
  4. Did the character think he or she really could solve the conflict or problem? How or how not?
  5. Did the character follow through on promises and agreements? How or how not?
  6. Did the character choose to do the wrong thing even though it was easier to do than the right thing? How or how not?
  7. Did the character try to take care of other people first, before taking care of himself or herself? How or how not?
  8. Did the character follow high standards for his or her own behavior? How or how not?

Other Focus Questions:

  • What did the character think about when making decisions and taking actions?
  • Did the character show concern for the welfare of others?
  • What virtues or ethical skills did the character show?

Ethical Action

  1. Did the character try to fix problems or conflicts without hurting other people, animals or things? How or how not?
  2. Did the character speak up to help other people? How or how not?
  3. Did the character try to help other people, animals, or things? How or how not?
  4. Did the character try to change rules that were unfair? How or how not?
  5. Did the character make a plan to solve a conflict or problem? How or how not?
  6. Did the character when trying to solve a conflict or problem, overcome things that got in the way or changed the plan when it wasn’t working? How or how not?
  7. Did the character not give up on solving the conflict or problem when it was hard? How or how not?
  8. Was the character brave when helping others or solving a problem or conflict? How or how not?

Other Action Questions:

  • How did the action affect the character and others in the story