Frederick Douglass on Should Maya share her crayons equally with friends?

By Frederick Douglass•Fairness & Justice•2 min read•Grade 4.7
Classroom
Intermediate

Overview

Maya and her friends have a box of crayons. There are 10 crayons, but 5 kids.

The Choice

Should Maya share her crayons equally with friends?

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades K-2
Reading Level
Level 4.661428571428569
Word Count
210 words
Published
Mar 23, 2026

The Dilemma

Maya and her friends have a box of crayons. There are 10 crayons, but 5 kids. Maya takes 5 crayons because she loves to draw. Her friend Leo says, "We all want to draw too, Maya!" Maya can either share her crayons or keep more for herself.

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Equality
vs
Generosity

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

Your Options

A

Share all crayons equally with her friends.

B

Keep more crayons for herself.

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

    How will Maya's friends feel if she shares?

  2. 2

    How will Maya's drawing look with more crayons?

  3. 3

    Is it fair to keep more crayons for herself?

  4. 4

    What does it mean to be a good friend?

  5. 5

    How would Maya feel if she had fewer crayons?

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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

equality
sharing
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…

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American Philosophy
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