According to the Social-Cognitive Domain theory, beginning as young as three years old, children can identify the difference between right and wrong. For example, a three-year-old can will state hitting someone else is wrong even if there is no rule it.
K-2 students can understand that harm affects other people negatively, but they are often most concerned with their perspective or feelings. They are see fairness as most often in benefit to their own needs. For example, if asked to share they will keep the largest piece for themselves. With this in mind, K-2 lesson plans provide students with an opportunity to think about and discuss the perspectives and feelings of people who have been mistreated because of their racial-ethnic identity.
3-5 students become less ego-centric in how they treat or think about those around them. Upper elementary school students better understand that fair does not always mean equal. They are also very focused on following the rules without questioning why they may exist or whether or not they are fair. With this in mind, 3-5 lessons provide students with an opportunity to think about and discuss the perspectives and feelings of people who have been treated unfairly because of their race. They are also given the opportunity to consider standing up for what is right, even if it is against what is benefitting them, or it may be breaking the rules.