| Example #1: A child is quiet and attentive while each of her classmates presents their project. |
| Example #2: Two children take turns recording sounds for the Play Recorded Sound block. |
| Example #3: Two children decide to contribute 5 blocks each to their program. |
Teacher Insights on Practicing Fairness
The following excerpts were taken from interviews with teachers who were asked to describe instances in which their students practiced fairness, as well as times in which the teacher personally practiced fairness while implementing the Coding as Another Language-ScratchJr curriculum.
It taught them fairness, because I always say to them, fair isn’t equal. Some kids need a little more support than others, while some kids need no support at all. So if it seems like I’m working with a group more than I’m working with you, that’s okay.
— Valerie, First Grade Teacher
Fairness was a discussion a lot, because some kids were like—”it’s not fair they know how to” and I go, “but that’s a different kind of fair—fair is each of us getting to explore the same thing.”
— Liz, First Grade Teacher
Watch Fairness in Practice
Waiting Your Turn to Present
A child is impatient to present her project, but she must wait for another child to present first.
Guided Questions for Observation
• How does the teacher uphold fairness in her Zoom class?
Yes, and…
The class discusses how the concept of “Yes, and…” can be used to appreciate everyone’s ideas.
Guided Questions for Observation
• Can you think of other concepts similar to “Yes, and…” that could help children practice fairness?
It’s Time to Switch!
Children remind a pair of students to take turns working on their coding project.
Guided Questions for Observation
• Notice that the pair are reminded by other children to switch turns. Can you think of other ways teachers and/or students can hold each other accountable to fairness?
Group Story
The whole group fairly contributes a part of a story to the storyline.
Guided Questions for Observation
• Notice the teacher uses the “One Sentence Story” activity to promote fairness in her class. Can you think of other activities for children to practice fairness in your classroom?
• How does the teacher ensure that every child gets a turn to contribute a part to the story?