Activity: “What Would You Do?” Moral Dilemma Story Time

Perfect for: Indoors or outdoors, quiet time, family evenings, or classroom circles

Best for: Kids aged 6+ (amazing for developing wisdom, empathy, and decision-making)

Activity Description:

Create or read short, simple stories about challenging or meaningful situations, and pause to ask: “What would you do?” Kids think through each one, explain their choices, and explore virtues like honesty, kindness, courage, and fairness. It’s a powerful way to build wisdom and moral intelligence through conversation.

How to Do It:

1. Choose or Create Scenarios

Use short, age-appropriate stories. For example:

• “You see someone drop money. No one else notices.”
• “Your friend wants to copy your test answers.”
• “You find a bird with a hurt wing in the park.”
• “You promised to help someone, but now you want to play instead.”
• “Someone is being left out of the game.”

Write your own or let kids make up their own dilemma stories!

2. Ask Reflective Questions

Pause the story and ask:

• “What would you do in this situation?”
• “Why would you choose that?”
• “What might happen if you did something else?”
• “What’s the kindest or most honest choice?”
• “Which decision would make you proud of yourself?”

Let them discuss, draw their choice, or act it out.

3. Add Wisdom Builders

• Talk about different virtues the story involves:
  
  • Integrity
  • Compassion
  • Responsibility
  • Patience
• Share a real quote from a wise person related to the story. Example:
  “Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.”

4. Turn It into a Game or Habit

• Keep a “Virtue Jar” with story starters or character-building challenges
• Make it a weekly dinner game or bedtime discussion
• Create a “Virtue Wall” where kids write their wisest choices of the week

Bonus Tip:

Let kids write their own moral stories and swap with siblings or friends—encouraging deeper reflection and creativity.

This quiet, meaningful activity helps children develop moral reasoning, empathy, and wise judgment—in a way they’ll enjoy and remember. Type n when you’re ready for the next idea!