Preconventional
Examples
Level Stage
Punishment/Obedience Flopsy, Mopsy
Orientation
and Cotton-tail
Punishment/Obedience Peter and Mom
Orientation
Self Interest
Orientation
Peter rabbit and
Mr. McGregor
Self Interest
Orientation
Flopsy, Mopsy,
and Cotton-tail
Text
Explanation
“who were good
little bunnies, went
down the lane to
gather blackberries”
(7)
They listened to their mother's
recommendations to avoid
what happened to their father.
The father died because he
went to a place he shouldn't
have. Here, the little bunnies
will obey their mother's
instructions to avoid
punishment.
To avoid punishment, Peter
lies about what happened in
the evening. If he told the
truth to his mom, he would
have trouble with her because
he was not following the
instructions. Peter was sent to
bed without eating the soup
because he said he had not
felt well.
Peter does not follow their
mother's instructions because
his preference satisfies his
self-interest: hunger. He did
not think about the
consequences of his actions
because his priority was his
own needs.
“I am sorry to say
that Peter was not
very well during
the evening.” (50)
“But Peter, who
was very naughty,
ran straight away
to Mr. McGregor's
garden, and
squeezed under
the gate. First he
ate some lettuces
and some French
beans; and then
he ate some
radishes” (8-9)
“had bread and
milk and
blackberries for
supper.” (53)
The little rabbits received a
delicious soup and bread as a
reward because they acted
well. They did not show
feeling tired or sick and could
taste the delicious food that
their mother had prepared.
I like the story to use with the children to show them the importance of listening and
making cases to our parents. In addition, the story helps us understand that our actions can
attract problems, which have consequences.