Overview
A group of kids chooses to spend their free time volunteering at a local shelter instead of playing video games, learning the value of helping others and developing a habit of kindness.
The Choice
Should Zola help clean the park or game?
Quick Stats
- Grade Band
- Grades 6-8
- Reading Level
- Level 9.1
- Word Count
- 329 words
- Published
- Jun 7, 2025
The Dilemma
Zola and Zoë are best friends who love spending their weekends exploring new hobbies. Recently, their school announced a community service project to help clean up a local park. Zoë is excited about it, seeing it as a chance to make a positive impact and develop good habits of responsibility and care for the environment. However, Zola has been looking forward to a weekend gaming marathon with her online friends, an event she has been planning for weeks. Zola knows that participating in the park cleanup would be a great way to contribute to her community and develop virtues of diligence and responsibility. Yet, she also feels the pull of her personal desire to relax and enjoy her planned gaming session. Zoë encourages Zola to think about the long-term benefits of forming good habits through community service. Zola The choice is theirs to make.
Values in Tension
This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:
Consider how these values might conflict or complement each other in this situation.
Your Options
Help clean the park.
Stick to gaming plans.
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
What would you do, and why?
- 2
How does choosing the park cleanup help Zola develop good habits?
- 3
What are the potential long-term benefits of forming good habits now?
- 4
How might John Locke advise Zola in this situation?
- 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?
Philosophical Perspective
Insights from John Locke
Take a moment to form your own thoughts first, then click to explore philosophical perspectives.
