Tapestry of Faith: Moral Tales: A Program on Making Choices for Grades 2-3

Introduction

Part of Moral Tales

Riches that leave another poor I do not want. — Andre Gide

This session teaches children about injustice and inequality in our world, and the importance of working for justice. Participants will hear a story about a kingdom in which many people do not have enough food. A dog that is larger-than-life comes to the palace and refuses to stop barking until the king has redistributed the wealth and everyone in the land has been fed. Through an "unfair snack" activity, the children will experience injustice first-hand, and then have the opportunity to turn that injustice into justice. Participants will be encouraged to be like the dog in the story, acting as allies to anyone who is oppressed, suffering, or being treated unfairly. "Fairness" will be added to the Moral Compass.

Goals

This session will:

  • Make participants aware of the inequitable distribution of wealth around the world
  • Build participants' empathy for people who are treated unfairly
  • Begin to empower participants to take action when they experience or witness injustice
  • Teach participants to be allies for people who are oppressed, suffering or being treated unfairly
  • Engage participants in experiences that promote the second and fourth Unitarian Universalist Principles: justice, equity and compassion in human relations, and the goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all.

Learning Objectives

Participants will:

  • Hear a story about a situation of inequitable distribution of wealth and how it was made more just
  • Practice noticing and protesting and call attention to unfairness through a game in which participants "bark" at injustice
  • Learn to recognize a variety of unjust situations and identify ways to make them more fair
  • Experience inequity and engage in a process for bringing justice during an unfair snack activity.