Fairness can be a hard concept for kids to grasp, but it is one of the most important life skills you can teach! As an elementary teacher, you’ve probably heard “That’s not fair!” more times than you can count. Teaching fairness in the classroom isn’t always easy, but with the right tools and resources, it can be fun and meaningful for your students!
Why Teach Fairness at School?
Fairness is all about treating others in a way that’s just and kind. It doesn’t mean everyone gets the same thing— it’s about making sure everyone get what they need. In your classroom, fairness might look like giving a student extra time to complete an assignment, letting a new student pick their partner first, or making sure everyone gets a chance to share during a group activity.
Why Kids Struggle with Fairness
A lot of times, kids confuse fairness with equality. When one student gets something different, you’re almost guaranteed to hear someone shout out, “hey! That’s not fair!”. That’s just because younger kids are wired to seeing fairness as everyone getting the same thing, not necessarily what is best for each person.
It takes support from you and other trusted adults to help them understand the difference between fairness and equality!
Benefits of Teaching Fairness in the Classroom
When kids learn about fairness, they build other important character traits and social emotional skills too, like:
- Empathy
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving
- Respect
- Kindness
A classroom that values fairness will be more inclusive and respectful. In this environment, kids work together more easily and grow into thoughtful, compassionate humans.
Fairness helps your classroom become a place where everyone feels valued and safe!
Go-To Resource for Teaching Fairness
This Fairness Curriculum has everything you need to confidently and easily teach your students how to be fair. It’s full of fun and interactive activities that help even your youngest of elementary students really “get” what this concept is all about.
This resource includes a variety of print-and-gp activities for you to choose from to engage your students. Choose what works best for your students’ interests and learning styles:
- Sorting activities
- Task cards
- Situation cards
- Role-playing activities
- Journaling prompts
These activities are designed to make learning about fairness relatable and memorable. They are perfect to use individually, in patterns, or with small groups!
Surveys, bulletin board posters, bookmarks, a parent letter, and more to ensure that you don’t have to add anything else to your teacher to-do list!
Books & Videos
Books and videos are also great tools for teaching important character traits and social-emotional learning concepts. They help make big ideas easy to understand by showing fairness in action.
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It’s Not Fair! by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
This book highlights the little moments that kids often think are “unfair,” like someone else getting sprinkles on their ice cream or a baby getting more attention in the home. The relatable examples make it easy for kids to connect to the story!
Fair is Fair, Isn’t It? By Dr. Lindsey Wilson
In Fair is Fair, Isn’t It?, a little girl is on an adventure to help her classmates learn how to be kind when fairness isn’t always clear cut. Children are encouraged to think critically about what is fair from different angles.
Too Many Carrots by Katy Hudson
In this silly story, Rabbit hoards carrots. His obsession leads to overcrowding and chaos when his friends try to help him. This book helps children learn about the importance of sharing and thinking of others’ needs. With its brightly colored pictures and funny storyline, it’s a great choice!
Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman
Grace dreams of playing Peter Pan in her school play, but her classmates say she doesn’t fit the role. This story highlights the importance of giving everyone a fair chance to shine. It’s a great story to use for teaching students about gender stereotypes and inclusion and how fairness can help break down these barriers.
VIDEO: Build Character Build Success: Fairness
This short video is another great way to introduce fairness to your students. It uses animations and real-life examples to show kids how being fair doesn’t always mean equality.
Books and videos are great opportunities to spark discussions with your students and help them learn how to connect fairness to their own lives!
Teaching fairness in the classroom doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right tools, like the Fairness Curriculum, some great books, and a fun video or two, you can make fairness a topic your students really understand and care about. Your efforts will make a big impact not just in the classroom but in shaping your students to be thoughtful, empathetic individuals as they grow. Your students are lucky to have you guiding them!
You might also be interested in reading:
3 Simple Ways to Teach Diversity in the Classroom
Teaching Acceptance in the Classroom
3 Ways to Teach Friendship Skills in the Classroom
You might also be interested in these products:
Walk in My DIVERSE Shoes - Empathy Activity
Acceptance - Character Education Social Emotional Learning Activities
Social Emotional Learning Curriculum - Social Awareness
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