The Importance of Early Intervention: Should Ali talk to Renata or ignore her behavior?

By John LockeRelationships & Social Skills2 min readGrade 8.9
Classroom
Intermediate

Overview

A coach notices a player starting to show signs of unsportsmanlike behavior. By addressing it immediately and discussing the importance of respect in sports, the coach helps the player understand and change their behavior before it becomes a pattern.

The Choice

Should Ali talk to Renata or ignore her behavior?

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades 6-8
Reading Level
Level 8.9
Word Count
276 words
Published
Jun 7, 2025

The Dilemma

Ali and Renata have known each other long enough to know exactly which buttons not to push. Recently, Ali noticed that Renata has been getting increasingly aggressive during their games, often pushing other players and arguing with the referee. Ali is worried that Renata's behavior might not only affect the team's spirit but also lead to more serious consequences if left unchecked. During a practice session, Ali sees Renata shove another player, causing a minor injury. The coach doesn't notice, and Renata dismisses it as an accident. Ali No one else can make this call.

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Loyalty
vs
Fairness

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

Your Options

A

Talk to Renata about her behavior.

B

Ignore Renata's behavior.

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

    Why is it important to address bad behavior early?

  3. 3

    How might ignoring a friend's bad behavior affect your friendship?

  4. 4

    How might John Locke advise Ali 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 John Locke

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

Related Topics

friendship
sportsmanship
responsibility
Portrait of John Locke, the English Enlightenment philosopher

John Locke1632-1704

John Locke (1632-1704) was a highly influential English philosopher and physician, widely regarded as one of the most important Enlightenment thinkers. Known as the 'Father of Liberalism' and founder of British empiricism, he profoundly impacted Western pol…

Empiricism
Liberalism
Development of Empiricism (Tabula Rasa)
Explore how John Locke informs this dilemma and discover additional ethical puzzles shaped by their ideas.
Learn more about John Locke or continue exploring dilemmas inspired by their philosophy.

Lesson Plans

Quick Fire5 min

The Importance of Early Intervention — 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 Importance of Early Intervention — 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