Discuss a kind action without labelling the whole person

A fictional table-sharing situation lets children consider effects and alternatives without publicly judging classmates. Keep attention on what happened and what might help, allowing for a difference between someone's intention and another person's experience.

Discuss possible effects with qualified language. The scenario provides a way to consider actions without assigning a fixed moral identity to a person.

Examine actions and possible effects

Leaving space at a table may help someone join.

Describe the action. Consider its possible impact. Suggest a helpful response.

What might improve the situation? Allow private responses.

Intent and impact can differ.

Resources

• Kind or Unkind Scenario Sorting — Discuss the fictional actions and possible effects without labelling real children.

Further reading

• ACECQA — play, leisure and intentionality

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