All Dilemmas

The Importance of Honesty and Integrity: Should Lily assign the drawing task to Akira or Sam?

By Frederick Douglassā€¢Character Developmentā€¢2 min readā€¢Grade 7.0
Classroom
Intermediate

Overview

Imagine a teacher who is fair and honest with their students, creating a classroom where everyone feels valued. In contrast, a teacher who lies or plays favorites can create an environment of distrust and fear among students, affecting their learning and friendships.

The Choice

Should Lily assign the drawing task to Akira or Sam?

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades K-2
Reading Level
Level 7
Word Count
326 words
Published
Jun 7, 2025

The Dilemma

Lily and Akira met on the first day of middle school and quickly became each other's most trusted confidants. One day, their teacher, Ms. Rivera, assigns a group project about their favorite animals. Lily is chosen as the group leader because she is known for being responsible and fair. As the leader, Lily has to assign tasks to each group member. Akira wants to do the drawing part, which is her favorite, but Lily knows that another classmate, Sam, is also very good at drawing and hasn't had a chance to show his skills yet. Lily feels torn because she wants to make her best friend happy, but she also wants to be fair and give everyone a chance to shine. If she gives the drawing task to Akira, she might be seen as playing favorites, but if she gives it to Sam, Akira might feel hurt. Lily What should they do?

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Honesty
vs
Integrity

Consider how these values might conflict or complement each other in this situation.

Your Options

A

Assign drawing to Akira.

B

Assign drawing to Sam.

Questions for Reflection

Take a moment to consider these questions. There are no "right" answers ā€“ the goal is to explore different perspectives and develop your own reasoning.

  1. 1

    What would you do, and why?

  2. 2

    Why is it important to be fair to everyone?

  3. 3

    How might Akira feel if she doesn't get the drawing task?

  4. 4

    How might Frederick Douglass advise Lily in this situation?

  5. 5

    Can you recall a time in your own life when you faced a somewhat similar choice or feeling? What did you do?

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Philosophical Perspective

Insights from Frederick Douglass

Take a moment to form your own thoughts first, then click to explore philosophical perspectives.

Related Topics

honesty
integrity
friendship
Portrait of Frederick Douglass, a distinguished African American man with a beard and intense gaze, embodying dignity and intellect.

Frederick Douglassc. 1818-1895

Born into slavery, Frederick Douglass (c. 1818-1895) became a prominent American abolitionist, orator, writer, and statesman. His powerful autobiographies and speeches exposed the horrors of slavery and advocated for emancipation and equal rights for all, iā€¦

Abolitionism
American Philosophy
Civil Rights Advocacy
Explore how Frederick Douglass informs this dilemma and discover additional ethical puzzles shaped by their ideas.
Learn more about Frederick Douglass or continue exploring dilemmas inspired by their philosophy.
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Lesson Plans

Quick Fire5 min

The Importance of Honesty and Integrity ā€” 5-10 minutes

Learning objectives:

  • -Identify the core ethical tension
  • -Make a quick, reasoned choice

Discussion prompts:

  • 1.Which option did you choose, and why?
  • 2.What would you give up with each choice?
participation
Classroom
Standard15 min

The Importance of Honesty and Integrity ā€” 15-20 minutes

Learning objectives:

  • -Identify competing values
  • -Articulate trade-offs

Discussion prompts:

  • 1.What would you lose by choosing each option?
  • 2.Is there a third path?
participation
Classroom