What a rights enquiry is for
Children hear the word “rights” early, often as “it’s my right to...”. A rights enquiry helps them think about what makes something a right rather than just a want, where rights come from and why they usually come with responsibilities.
Older students can go further, looking at clashes between rights, whether animals or future people have rights, and how documents such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights describe rights for everyone.
Free activities to download
Ready-to-run EduTrend Contents philosophy enquiry workshops for primary, middle and high school. Each free download includes a step-by-step session plan, facilitator notes, three student worksheets and an assessment checklist. Full 20-week programmes are available in EduStore.
The Toy Box
Primary · Ages 5–7
Foundation · 30 min
Young children talk about a messy toy box, then enquire into whether having something you may do also brings something you should do.
Wants, Needs or Rights?
Primary · Ages 8–11
Developing · 45 min
Pupils sort cards such as “a bike”, “clean water” and “to be heard” into wants, needs and rights, then enquire into what makes something a right.
When Rights Clash
Middle School · Ages 11–13
Intermediate · 50 min
Students explore invented situations where rights clash, such as loud music and a neighbour’s need to sleep, and enquire into how to decide between them.
Do Animals Have Rights?
Middle School · Ages 12–14
Intermediate · 50 min
Students examine pictures of animals in different settings and enquire into whether animals have rights and what we owe them.
Rights Without Duties?
High School · Ages 15–18
Advanced · 60 min
Students analyse articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, identify the duties each implies and enquire into whether rights can exist without duties.
Liked the free activities? Go further with a 20-week programme.
Each free activity comes from a full EduTrend Contents programme: a Family Guide or Teacher's Guide with one-page session plans for 20 weeks, plus an Assessment Toolkit with rubrics, trackers and certificates. Choose the one for your child's age or your class below. Instant PDF download after checkout.
P4C-131 · 20 WEEKS · $29
Rights and Responsibilities at Home
Family · Ages 5–11 with a grown-up
Rights, responsibilities and fairness at home.
P4C-132 · 20 WEEKS · $39
Rights and Responsibilities Enquiries
Primary · Ages 5–11
Class enquiries on rights, duties and clashes.
P4C-133 · 20 WEEKS · $39
Rights Enquiry Lab
Middle school · Ages 11–14
Clashing rights, animals and human rights.
P4C-134 · 20 WEEKS · $45
Rights Enquiry Leaders
High school · Ages 14–18
Lead rights enquiries for younger children.
Photos: AMIT RANJAN, Emmanuel Ikwuegbu, Vitaly Gariev, Eliott Reyna, Joao Viegas / Unsplash
Rights and Responsibilities
Explore rights and responsibilities with five free printable philosophy activities, from the shared toy box and wants versus rights to clashing rights, animal rights and the link between rights and duties. For longer learning, choose a 20-week programme for families, primary, middle or high school.
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Rights and Responsibilities
