The Power of Resilience: Should Hawa try rolling again or not?

By Frederick Douglass•Character Development•2 min read•Grade 5.9
Classroom
Intermediate

Overview

Imagine a student struggling to understand a challenging math problem. Instead of giving up, they keep trying different methods and asking for help until they finally solve it, learning valuable lessons along the way.

The Choice

Should Hawa try rolling again or not?

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades K-2
Reading Level
Level 5.9
Word Count
270 words
Published
Jun 7, 2025

The Dilemma

Hawa and Tala were playing in the park when they noticed a big hill perfect for rolling down. Tala went first, laughing all the way to the bottom. When it was Hawa's turn, she started rolling but halfway down, she hit a bump and tumbled awkwardly, scraping her knee. It hurt, and she felt like crying. Tala ran over and said, "It's okay, Hawa! You can try again. I'll help you avoid the bump this time." Hawa was scared it might happen again, but she also remembered how much fun Tala had. Hawa The decision isn't easy.

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Perseverance
vs
Courage

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

Your Options

A

Roll down the hill again.

B

Watch Tala roll instead.

Questions for Reflection

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

  1. 1

    What would you do, and why?

  2. 2

    How do you think Hawa felt when she fell?

  3. 3

    Why might trying again be important for Hawa?

  4. 4

    How might Frederick Douglass advise Hawa 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

resilience
courage
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, i…

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.

Lesson Plans

Quick Fire5 min

The Power of Resilience — 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
Standard15 min

The Power of Resilience — 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