John Stuart Mill on Should Kaito keep reading his book or play the video game?

By John Stuart MillCharacter Development2 min readGrade 4.9
Classroom
Intermediate

Overview

Kaito is reading a really interesting book about space explorers. His brother wants him to play a silly phone game instead. Kaito likes both activities but has to choose how to spend his time.

The Choice

Should Kaito keep reading his book or play the video game?

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades K-2
Reading Level
Level 4.940112721417069
Word Count
270 words
Published
Mar 23, 2026

The Dilemma

Kaito is sitting in the living room reading a book about astronauts who explore faraway planets. He is so excited to find out what happens next! His older brother Hiro comes over and says, "Put that down! Let's play Candy Squish on my phone — it's so funny!" Kaito thinks the phone game is fun for a little while, but his book makes him imagine amazing things. He is not sure which one to pick.

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Learning
vs
Fun

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

Your Options

A

Stop reading and play the phone game with his brother.

B

Keep reading his book because it makes him think and dream.

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 does Kaito enjoy about reading the book?

  2. 2

    What does Kaito enjoy about the phone game?

  3. 3

    Which activity makes Kaito think more?

  4. 4

    Can some kinds of fun teach us things while other kinds do not?

  5. 5

    What is your favorite thing to do that also helps you learn?

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Philosophical Perspective

Insights from John Stuart Mill

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

Related Topics

choices
learning
enjoyment