The Importance of Community Support: Should William invite Emma to join or ignore her?

By Frederick Douglass•Community & Civic Responsibility•2 min read•Grade 7.3
Classroom
Intermediate

Overview

Consider a student who is struggling with a difficult project. When they reach out to classmates for help, they find that by working together, they can achieve more and feel less alone, highlighting the power of community.

The Choice

Should William invite Emma to join or ignore her?

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades K-2
Reading Level
Level 7.3
Word Count
263 words
Published
Jun 7, 2025

The Dilemma

William and Malik were in the school playground when they noticed a new student, Emma, sitting alone and looking sad. Emma had just moved to town and didn't know anyone yet. William remembered how lonely he felt when he first moved to the neighborhood last year. He wanted to help Emma feel welcome and part of their group. William thought about inviting Emma to join their game of tag, but he was also a bit nervous about how Malik and the others would react. Would they be okay with a new player? William The choice is theirs to make.

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Community
vs
Loyalty

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

Your Options

A

Invite Emma to join the game.

B

Ignore Emma and keep playing.

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 include others?

  3. 3

    How might Emma feel if she's included?

  4. 4

    How might Frederick Douglass advise William 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

community
friendship
inclusion
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 Importance of Community Support — 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 Community Support — 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