Ethical Understanding: Making a Difference

With a PhD in philosophy and professional experience as an ethicist, Maura Pierlot writes books for children and young people that explore deep questions and themes, helping readers to think critically about their identities and roles within their communities and society, inspiring them to make a difference in the world.

Student workshops will look at excerpts from Maura's picture books (The Trouble in Tune Town: F-2; What Will You Make Today?: F-6; Alphabetter – A Better You and Me, from A to Z: 2- 10; and Fragments: Journeys from Isolation to Connection: 7-10), discussing the ethical concepts in the books and engaging in problem-solving activities based on identified areas.

Through whole group and small group discussions, simple drama activities, craft or writing/drawing exercises, students will respond to selected questions from the text, and may focus on the environment, global issues or self-development. Sessions will be tailored to the year level of the group and serve as an introduction to further exploration of our roles as individuals, members of society and global citizens.

Teachers will be introduced to Maura's books and an overview of their key themes and concepts. They will discuss the Ethical Understanding general capability and consider how these outcomes can be explored through literature and associated activities.

Topics covered:

*identity
*environmental issues
*communication
*values/ethics
*citizenship
*critical thinking
*power of human connection