Ranking, Debating and Reflecting on What Matters Most
This lesson invites pupils in 5th and 6th Class to explore and debate the core values of the European Union. Through a structured ranking activity and group discussion, pupils reflect on which EU values matter most to them personally and consider why it can sometimes be difficult for countries to uphold shared principles within a union of sovereign states.
What’s the difference between Activities and Instructions?
Activities are the interactive games or exercises your pupils will complete in class. Instructions are the teacher materials that help you prepare : background notes, printable sheets, or instructions.
Learning objectives
This activity helps pupils to:
- Identify and understand the main EU values
- Rank values according to personal importance
- Explain and justify their choices
- Listen to and respect different viewpoints
- Recognise that countries are sovereign but share common commitments
- Reflect on the challenges of maintaining shared values
- Develop discussion and persuasion skills
- Engage in critical thinking about democracy and responsibility
Introducing EU values and sovereignty
The lesson begins by explaining that the EU is a club of sovereign countries.
Pupils learn that:
- Each member state holds regular elections
- Leaders may have values that differ from those of the EU
- Despite differences, all members agree to respect shared EU values
This introduction sets the context for reflection and debate.
Understanding the EU values
Using the activity sheet (page 2), pupils review seven key EU values and their definitions:
- Democracy – a system where people decide who leads them
- Freedom – the ability to act, speak and think freely
- Equality and non-discrimination – equal rights for all
- Justice and Rule of Law – laws applied fairly and consistently
- Solidarity – supporting one another
- Respect for Human Rights and Dignity – protecting basic rights and freedoms
- Tolerance – respecting different opinions
Clear, age-appropriate explanations help pupils understand each concept before ranking them
Ranking the values
In Step 1 of the activity, pupils rank the EU values from:
1 = most important
7 = least important
This encourages personal reflection rather than memorisation.
Group discussion and movement
In Step 2 and Step 3:
- The teacher calls out each value
- Pupils who ranked that value as number 1 stand together
- Groups discuss why they chose that value
- Pupils may move groups if persuaded by others
This creates a visual representation of what matters most to the class and encourages open-minded discussion
Reflecting on challenges and consequences
The lesson concludes with deeper reflection questions:
- Why might it be difficult to keep the EU values?
- Should a member of the club be penalised or excluded if it does not follow all the values?
These questions move pupils from personal preference to civic responsibility and democratic debate.
Why this activity works
- Designed specifically for 5th and 6th Class
- Encourages deep reflection and respectful debate
- Makes abstract values concrete and personal
- Develops reasoning and persuasion skills
- Promotes democratic discussion and open-mindedness
- Supports SPHE, SESE and citizenship education
