Teaching Kids how to be Honest in School.

Dana is a 3rd grade student in Ms. Thomas’ class. She is new to the school and really wants to make friends. She noticed that it takes her longer than her classmates to complete assignments, so she decides to ask her teacher if she could have extra time to finish her work. Her teacher applauds her honesty and gives her extra time. As a result, Dana is flourishing academically and has made new friends!

What are your thoughts about this scenario?

Do you think this is a great way to show honesty in class?

If you answered “yes” to this question, you are right! Honesty isn’t just about telling the trust, it’s about being responsible enough to articulate your wants and needs. In the scenario above, Dana was responsible enough to be truthful with her teacher about needing enough time to complete her assignment, which led to her success.

When someone is honest, they tell the truth regardless of the consequence or reaction. They make the right decision when no one is look and are responsible for their actions and behaviors. A lot of times, students are showing honesty in the classroom and don’t even know it.

Here is a list of ways to show honesty in school…

1. Deciding not to cheat on a test.
2. Returning a pencil to its owner.
3. Picking up a piece of paper you dropped on the floor.
4. Turning in money you found on the floor to the office or teacher .
5. Telling on someone who plans to hurt themselves, others or something.
6. Expressing your feelings.
7. Being responsible for your own actions and behaviors.

Let’s talk about ways to teach this character trait.

One way to do this is by gathering information on what students already know. I like to do this with a KWL chart. Start by drawing three columns on the board or on a piece of chart paper. In the far left column, write a K. This is where students will discuss what they know about Honesty. In the middle column, write a W. This is where students will discuss what they what to know about Honesty. In the far right column, write a L. This column will be left blank for now. This is where students will discuss what they have learned. Once you have completed the lesson, return to the chart and fill in the L part. As you are having a discussion with your students, make sure you document their responses in the KWL chart.

Once that is complete, move into the lesson. I love a good read aloud. I don’t know about you but I’m a visual and auditory learner. With that, I try to either read a story to my students or find a good story on youtube. I love this video about Honesty. Even though it does not specifically discuss honesty in the classroom, it does give a realistic example of what it means to be honest.

After the video, have a discussion around the story. Here are some questions you can ask:

1. Can you relate to the character? How?
2. How was the boy dishonest.
3. How can the boy be honest?
4. Why do you think it is important to be honest?
5. What lesson did you learn from the story?
6. How does your conscience help you with your honesty?

To conclude the lesson, have students complete the “”L part of the KWL chart. This part will document what students have learned throughout the lesson. If you really want to be fancy, you can add a fourth column labeled, how to apply information learned. This part will document ways students plan to apply the information learned in their real world.

If you are looking for an activity that will facilitate a rich discussion around honesty, then click on this link: Honesty Activity Sheet. You can have your students work as a whole group, small group or individually to complete this activity. What they will need to do is write about a time when they were honest in class. Then, draw a picture that goes with their writing. After students are done, allow those who want to a chance to share and watch as the discussion blossoms!

Oh, I almost forgot. Let me know how things go!

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