Split or Steal?! A Lesson in Generosity

During one of my recent Beginnings classes, I led a game called “SPLIT or STEAL” to create an opportunity for students to engage with “Law 8: Don’t take what doesn’t belong to you” (in real time). The game was an opportunity to decide if they wanted to share (“split”) or take a prize (“steal”) from their partner. Such is a very real decision that most of us unknowingly make daily.

Now you may say, “I do not decide each day whether or not I should steal.” However, as I'm teaching my students, I encourage you to not stay at the simplistic definition of not "taking an object that is the property of another". Instead, we're examining how stealing can go beyond that.

Elementary students play “SPLIT or STEAL” as an opportunity to consider another classmate’s preference or need.

In class, we discussed how they can take their friend's opportunity to learn away by shouting out answers instead of raising their hands. They also learned they could take a special celebration moment away by choosing to “one-up” a friend or be jealous and quiet when their peer may receive an award, praise, or DOJO points.

I pray this simple game continues to resonate with my students this year as they interact with their classmates. I hope we can continue to examine ways we could be tempted to "take" and rather respond with ways we can give generously to one another whether through praise, a helping hand, or a listening ear.