---
title: "Fairness, Equality and Equity"
description: "Understand what fairness means and why it matters — recognising that fair doesn't always mean equal (everyone getting the same) but can mean equitable (everyone getting what they need), and applying t"
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/personal-and-social-development/fairness-equality-and-equity-mt_mDp-1vlL3R
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/personal-and-social-development/fairness-equality-and-equity-mt_mDp-1vlL3R.md
retrieved: 2026-10-19
---

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# Fairness, Equality and Equity

Understand what fairness means and why it matters — recognising that fair doesn't always mean equal (everyone getting the same) but can mean equitable (everyone getting what they need), and applying this understanding in group situations

Subject: Personal & Social Development · Area: Empathy & Social Awareness · Ages 7 to 9
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/personal-and-social-development/fairness-equality-and-equity-mt_mDp-1vlL3R

## Ready when they can

- Explain the difference between treating everyone the same and treating everyone fairly
- Give an example of a situation where equal treatment wouldn't be fair
- Apply fairness thinking when sharing resources or making group decisions

## Lesson: Fair Doesn't Always Mean Equal

Equal means everyone gets the exact same thing. Fair means everyone gets what they actually need. To see what is fair, imagine how each person feels. Most of the time those look the same. But sometimes being fair means giving people different things.

*(drawing: Mia is short and needs 3 blocks to see over the fence. Sam needs 2. Jo is already tall enough and needs none. Giving each kid the same number of blocks would not be fair.)*

**Example.** Theo broke his arm, so his teacher gives him extra time to finish a writing test. The other kids don't get extra time. That still feels fair, because Theo's arm makes writing much slower for him right now.

**Tip.** When something feels unfair, ask: does everyone have what they need to do this, or does someone need a little extra help? Grown-ups sometimes call this being equitable. It just means fair, based on need.

**Recap.** Equal means the same for everyone. Fair, sometimes called equitable, means everyone gets what they need.

## Practice

8 questions on this page, each with its working shown.

## Needs first

- [Seeing Someone Else's Point of View](https://lightmysky.com/learn/personal-and-social-development/seeing-someone-elses-point-of-view-mt_9NQEiYLQA3)
- [Vocabulary: social awareness](https://lightmysky.com/learn/personal-and-social-development/vocabulary-social-awareness-mt_a6AYrbb7x4)

## Opens up

- [Respecting Different Cultures](https://lightmysky.com/learn/personal-and-social-development/respecting-different-cultures-mt_DkzsZdyaL2)
- [Systemic Inequality and Allyship](https://lightmysky.com/learn/personal-and-social-development/systemic-inequality-and-allyship-mt_oqvJJKCJXw)