TOO MUCH MONEY!

An Ethical Writing Experience
Today we discussed ethics and what it is to be moral. I gave the students four scenarios which they had to think about what they would do and then write about it. After that I placed them in groups to discuss what they would do and to try to come to a consensus. Then we regrouped and discussed what each group came up with. The scenarios were as follows:
If you buy something at a store and the clerk gives you back too much money by mistake, do you keep the money?
You see something you have wanted for a long time on the shelf of your local Wal-Mart; but you don't have enough money to buy it. Do you put it in your pocket and walk out of the store?
You didn't study as much as you should have for a big test, but your best friend will let you look at his/her answers; should you look?
You have broken one of your family rules; do you tell your parents the truth knowing that you will most likely be punished or do you lie to stay out of trouble?
We had some interesting discussions today; I will say that these kids are smart and thought of some creative solutions that I would have never come up with.
Homework is to choose one of these scenarios (or all four) and write a story, that includes either making the wrong choice and facing the consequences or learning from their mistake, or making the right choice and enjoying the peace that comes with that.