The Value of Friendship and Support: Should Quinn encourage teamwork or support Ade's solo effort?

By Frederick Douglass•Relationships & Social Skills•2 min read•Grade 7.2
Classroom
Intermediate

Overview

Imagine a student who struggles with math but finds a friend who is good at it. By helping each other with homework, they both improve and grow closer, showing how teamwork can lead to success.

The Choice

Should Quinn encourage teamwork or support Ade's solo effort?

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades K-2
Reading Level
Level 7.2
Word Count
302 words
Published
Jun 7, 2025

The Dilemma

Quinn and Ade grew up on the same street and have shared almost every milestone together. They love playing together at recess and helping each other with schoolwork. One day, their teacher announces a class project where students can choose to work alone or in pairs. Quinn is excited to partner with Ade, but Ade seems hesitant. Later, Ade confides in Quinn that they want to work alone this time to try and win the 'Best Project' award, which comes with a special prize. Quinn feels torn because they know how much fun and support they both get from working together. Quinn also knows that working alone might be a good challenge for Ade, but it would mean missing out on their teamwork and friendship during the project. Quinn It's time to act.

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Loyalty
vs
Compassion

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

Your Options

A

Encourage teamwork with Ade.

B

Support Ade's solo effort.

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 support friends?

  3. 3

    How can working together help us learn?

  4. 4

    How might Frederick Douglass advise Quinn 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?

Did you like this dilemma?

Loading poll data...

Philosophical Perspective

Insights from Frederick Douglass

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

Related Topics

friendship
loyalty
collaboration
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 Value of Friendship and 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 Value of Friendship and 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