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Kids 5: Activity Day Outline Discussion & Activity: The Golden Rule, Ben Franklin—pursuit of a virtuous life The Golden Rule is a simple and yet profound way to teach children about personal accountability as well as personal and public (or civic) virtue.  Display the Ben Franklin “Golden Rule” graphic to lead this discussion (see graphic “Golden Rule” in Activity Day Resource pdf for this discussion) The Gold Rule is to treat others the way we want to be treated. Does that mean treat only people who are nice to us the way we want to be treated? The highest level of the Golden Rule is to treat even people who are mean to us the way we want to be treated. If everyone lived the Gold Rule, the world would be a much kinder place. Some form of the Golden Rule exists in almost every culture.  Christianity: Do to others as you would have them do to you. (Luke 6:31)  Judaism: What is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow man. That is the entire law; all the rest is commentary. (The Talmud, Shabbat 31)  Hinduism: This is the sum of duty: Do naught unto others which would cause pain if done to you. (The Mahabharata) Hindu Proverb: Help thy brother’s boat across and lo! thine own has reached the shore.  Islam: None of you has faith unless he loves for his brother what he loves for himself. (Hadith 2:6)  Buddhism: Hurt not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful. (Udana Varga)  Confucianism: “Is there one word that will keep us on the path to the end of our days?” “Yes, Reciprocity. What you do not wish yourself, do not unto others.” (The Analects) 1. Why do you think the Golden Rule is a universal rule of society? 2. How can living the Golden Rule ourselves make our communities safer? 3. What does the story of The Good Samaritan in the Bible (Luke 10:25-37) teach us about the Golden Rule? Story & Discussion: Public Virtue (see graphic “Public Virtue” in Activity Day Resource pdf for this discussion) Explain to the children that Public Virtue (also known as Civic Virtue) is the dedication of citizens to the common good of the country or community, even at the cost of their individual interests. 4 Cottage Kids ✯ Moms for America