How to Discuss Stories to Emphasize Morality
Select the questions most appropriate for the story and the abilities of the child.
Ethical Sensitivity
- Did the character care about other people’s feelings? How or how not?
- Did the character notice what other people’s needs were? How or how not?
- Did the character notice things that were wrong or that hurt other people? How or how not?
- Did the character show his or her feelings in a way that didn’t hurt other people or things? How or how not?
- Did the character listen and took to heart what other people said? How or how not?
- Did the character try to understand how other people thought about things? How or how not?
- Did the character try to understand people who were different or from different cultures? How or how not?
- 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
- Did the character try to understand all parts of the problem before deciding what to do? How or how not?
- Did the character think about how others might be upset by his or her choices, actions or decisions? How or how not?
- Did the character think about doing the right thing? How or how not?
- Did the character think about his or her decision afterwards? How or how not?
- Did the character try to follow the rules? How or how not?
- Was the character positive or optimistic about solving the problem? How or how not?
- 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?
- 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
- Did the character show good self control over his or her own behaviors? How or how not?
- Did the character care about what other people thought was right? How or how not?
- Did the character try to be the best he or she could be? How or how not?
- Did the character think he or she really could solve the conflict or problem? How or how not?
- Did the character follow through on promises and agreements? How or how not?
- Did the character choose to do the wrong thing even though it was easier to do than the right thing? How or how not?
- Did the character try to take care of other people first, before taking care of himself or herself? How or how not?
- 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
- Did the character try to fix problems or conflicts without hurting other people, animals or things? How or how not?
- Did the character speak up to help other people? How or how not?
- Did the character try to help other people, animals, or things? How or how not?
- Did the character try to change rules that were unfair? How or how not?
- Did the character make a plan to solve a conflict or problem? How or how not?
- 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?
- Did the character not give up on solving the conflict or problem when it was hard? How or how not?
- 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
The 4 Component Model
- Ethical Sensitivity - Evidence of concern for others and awareness of the consequences of one's actions.
- Ethical Judgment - Shows characters deliberating about ethical choices.
- Ethical Focus - Addresses the ethical demand in the situation, prioritizing moral goals and responsibilities over selfish interests.
- Ethical Action - Has a character who takes several steps to reach a moral goal and perseveres to complete the ethical action.