What Would Confucius Do?

Education

100

You come home from school, and you’re really hyper and need to play. But, your mom tells you that you must do your homework first. What would Confucius do and why?

Do your homework because Confucius values learning and education.

200

You are sitting in math class by your best friend in the world. All of a sudden, you remember something so exciting that happened on your favorite TV show last night. You really want to tell her before you forget. The teacher has her back to you, so she won’t notice if you pass a quick note. What would Confucius do?

You would not interrupt the learning of a classmate (or of yourself!) because education and learning is very important to Confucius!

300

At your school, there is a rule that only girls can sign up for Taekwondo classes. What would Confucius say about this rule?

Confucius would not approve of that rule because he feels that everyone has the right to education.

Family

100

Your grandparents live not too far away from you. You love them, but you don’t like going over to their house. After all, you’d rather play than spend time talking about the olden days. Should you go or play? What would Confucius do?

He would tell you to go to your grandparents' house because Confucius thinks that you should show respect for your family and your elders. They are probably very wise, and you should learn from them.

200

Your dad has really strict rules about EVERYTHING. You think that he should be more flexible and allow you to be more independent. He says, “Stop questioning me.” Should you follow all his rules or rebel? What would Confucius do?

Follow the rules! You should show respect for your family and elders and learn from them.

300

Your older brother is (in your opinion) very bossy. You wake up in the morning, and he yells, “_____, don’t forget to take the trash out!” It is your job to do, but you’re annoyed and wonder why he can't just do it. What would Confucius do?

He would tell you to that you should be a trustworthy/ responsible person. If the job was given to you, you should do it. You should also respect your brother, as a family member and as someone older than you.

Leadership

100

You are voting for Student Council. Your good friend is running against another one of your other classmates. You love your friend to death, but he can be super silly and isn’t really responsible. Your other classmate, on the other hand, is very serious and efficient. However, you’re not very good friends with him. Who should you vote for? What would Confucius do?

You should vote for the classmate who is serious and efficient. Confucius believes that the wisest and most capable should lead.

200

You are working in a group, and one of your classmates is chosen to be the group leader. She is smart and capable, but isn’t being respectful of everyone’s ideas and contributions. Should she remain the leader of the group? What would Confucius do?

No, Confucius believes that everyone has the right to learn. By not being respectful of everyone's ideas, the group leader is not giving everyone this opportunity.

300

A very skilled four square player becomes king. S/he begins telling people they are out for rules that s/he never stated. Should this person remain king? What would Confucius say?

No-- Confucius believes that leaders should be trustworthy. If someone is abusing their power, they should not be in charge.

Respect/Behavior

100

Your friend tells you that she has a crush on another kid. She tells you that it’s very private and please not to tell anyone. Your other friend asks you what she said. Should you tell her? What would Confucius do?

Confucius values being kind and trustworthy so you should keep your friend's secret private.

200

You promised your friend you would play Four Square with him at recess. However, a fifth grade boy invites you to play soccer with them! You really want to become his friend too. Should you play four square or soccer? What would Confucius do?

Confucius would tell you to play four square with your friend because you promised you would. Confucius values honesty and trustworthiness.

300

In book clubs, the teachers give you a list of questions to answer with a partner. You know ALL the answers backwards and forwards. Your partner doesn’t seem as confident. You want to just get the work done and write in the answers yourself. Is this the correct choice? What would Confucius do?

Confucius would tell you to help your partner LEARN, but don't just give him the answers. Confucius believes EVERYONE deserves the opportunity to learn.