Fairness
Fairness has played a pivotal role throughout history, with the pursuit of equality and justice helping to shape the world that we live in today. Fairness also plays out in our everyday lives and in the lives of children as they grapple with real-life moments that feel “unfair.” “Fairness” in the context of social and emotional development refers to a child’s growing ability to treat others equitably and considering the needs and perspectives of others. The idea of “fairness” pops up in things like taking turns, sharing, and making decisions.
In this episode, three 6-8 year old children, Bodhi, Aubrey, and Will, visit with LKBH host Todd Loyd to talk about fairness. They then travel to the Land of Qook-a-lackas to help two Qook-a-lacka friends — Principal Quella and Korrik, the President of the Qook-a-berry Preservation Society — to restore fairness to the Land through a process of “qook-a-lation.” The kids listen to both sides of a conflict, ask questions, and then suggest fair solutions.
Our guest stars on this episode are Vella Lovell, who plays the role of Principal Quella and Meredith Holzman, who plays the role of the President of the Qook-a-berry Preservation Society, Korrik.
Sound design and mixing is by Ryan Marth, and the ukulele music you hear is by actor and composer Bill English.
Guest Stars: Vella Lovell and Meredith Holzman
Our guest Qook-a-lackas on this episode are Vella Lovell, who plays the role of Principal Quella, and Meredith Holzman, who plays the role of Korrik, the President of the Qook-a-berry Preservation Society.
Vella currently appears on the Fox comedy Animal Control alongside Joel McHale as “Emily.” Other credits include Mr. Mayor, Crazy Ex Girlfriend, Accused, A Clüsterfünke Christmas, She Ra And the Princesses of Power, Kiff, The Big Sick, Dollface, Girls, Younger, Grace and Frankie, As We See It, Your Place or Mine. On the stage, Vella has appeared in plays at The Geffen Playhouse, Yale Rep, The Public Theater and Williamstown Theatre Festival. She graduated from @nyutisch and @juilliardschool.
Meredith is a New York based actor who can most recently be seen on your TV screens in Elsbeth, Alaska Daily, and Only Murders in the Building. She lives in Queens and loves trying to cook that thing she had at that restaurant that one time. Her main goal in life is to pet all the dogs.
Fairness Interview with Judge Sanchez
On our episode about fairness — three kids (Bodhi, Aubrey, and Will) — helped two arguing Qook-a-lackas through a process of “qook-a-lation.” They listened to both sides of the argument, asked some questions, and then shared some ideas to help the Qook-a-lackas find a fair solution.
Little Kids, Big Hearts is thrilled to share an interview with someone who knows A LOT about qook-a-lation: Judge Gabriel P. Sanchez, who has served as a United States circuit judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit since 2022.
Our host, Todd Loyd chats with Judge Sanchez about what fairness is and moments in his life when he’s learned about fairness. He shares tips for little kids with big hearts who want to follow in his footsteps and become real-life judges — and also tips on how we can bring more fairness to our classrooms and playgrounds today.
Judge Sanchez was nominated by President Biden and confirmed by the Senate in 2022 — an exciting first for our podcast! He’s based in San Francisco, but hears cases across California, Arizona, Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. Judge Sanchez has had a remarkable career advocating for criminal justice reform, public safety, and civil rights, while also serving as a pro bono supporter of farm workers’ rights.
"When Something's Unfair"
This new song debuted in the “fairness” episode of the Little Kids, Big Hearts podcast.
It’s inspired by the words of the kids who appeared on the episode, and composed by educator/creator Benjamin Weiner. The song is performed by Benjamin, plus Vella Lovell, one of the guest stars from the episode.
Music video by Sparkler Learning!
Educator Resources: Fairness
Explore the topics the episode to learn and build your children’s fairness:
- Fair or Unfair? A classroom game to practice identifying scenarios that are fair and unfair.
- My Turn, Your Turn! Play a turn-taking game to practice taking turns with one another.