CHARACTER COUNTS! Kindness 101

Honesty - Girl Scout Promises No False Advertising

Practicing honesty is important so others know they can trust us.
Honesty
Grade Level: K-12
 
Character Skills
  • Trustworthiness
  • Responsibility
SEL Skills
  • Responsible Decision-Making
  • Social Awareness
Academic Skills
  • Effective Problem Solving
  • Self-Direction and Engagement

Definitions

Trustworthiness
  • Be honest. Don’t deceive, cheat, or steal.
  • Have integrity. Do what you say you’ll do.
  • Keep your promises.
  • Be loyal. Stand by your values.
Responsibility
  • Do what you are supposed to do. Try your best.
  • Persevere. Keep on trying.
  • Be self-disciplined.
  • Think before you act. Consider the consequences.
  • Be accountable for your words, actions, and attitudes.
Responsible Decision-Making

Make decisions based on rationality, ethics, and effectiveness.

Social Awareness

Assess and be sensitive to the feelings and needs of others.

Effective Problem Solving

Make rational, ethical, and effective decisions to find the best solutions to problems.

Self-Direction and Engagement

Fully engaged in the educational process and connected to the school community.

Learn more about our character, SEL, and academic outcomes.
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The Ray Center at Drake University
CBS News
Students will explore the importance of honesty, its impact on building relationships, and how honesty is related to promise-keeping.
Download Google Slides
activiate prior knowledge

Activate Prior Knowledge

  • Have you ever bought something that wasn’t as good as advertised?
  • What is the definition of honesty?
    • Being honest means we are truthful and sincere.
Kindness 101

Kindness 101 Video

Click here for the shortened video (best for secondary students).

discussion

Discussion Prompts

  • Why do you think Charlotte’s honesty paid off in a big way?
  • “Honesty and kindness do not have to conflict.” What does this statement from Charlotte mean to you?
  • Describe a time when you experienced honesty without kindness. How did it make you feel? How would the situation been different if kindness was included?
  • Charlotte lived by a code of honesty. What is the importance of making a character commitment like this to yourself? What about to others?
materials

Activity Materials

activity

Activity: Acts of Kindness

  • Go through the Girl Scout Pledge and the Boy Scout Oath and circle words of character.
    • Girl Scout Pledge: I will do my best to be honest and fair, friendly and helpful, considerate and caring, courageous and strong, and responsible for what I say and do. I will also respect myself and others, respect authority, use resources wisely, make the world a better place, and be a sister to every Girl Scout.
    • Boy Scout Oath: On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law. I will help other people at all times and keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.
  • Ask students:
    • Which words did you circle?
    • Why are they important?
  • Create a class character pledge/oath.
    • In small groups, list the characteristics necessary to be students of good character in your classroom.
    • Have students share their top three attributes with the whole group.
    • As a whole group, organize the attributes into a pledge. Use chart paper and markers or type it on a computer and project it for students to see.
      • Example: I promise to try my best and be kind in all that I do. I will see each day and every situation as an opportunity to learn. I will not be afraid to make mistakes but reflect and learn from them. I will care for my classmates and be trustworthy by completing work and showing up on time.
  • Have students sign the character pledge to show their commitment to being a student of character in the classroom.
  • Follow-up questions:
    • Do you think taking a pledge makes you more likely to follow through on something?
    • How is honesty related to a pledge or promise?
journal prompts

Journal Prompts

K-5

  • Can you think of a time when telling the truth improved a situation? How did honesty help?
  • Why is it important to be honest with your friends and classmates?
  • Who is someone you trust because they are always honest? How does that impact the way you behave around them?

6-12

  • Describe a situation where being honest was difficult. How did you handle it, and what were the outcomes?
  • How does honesty contribute to building solid relationships with peers and adults?
  • How can we be honest and kind at the same time?
family connection

Family Connection

Educators: Copy the Family Connection and email it to parents, or click here to download a PDF version to email or print.

Watch
Watch the video as a family: https://youtu.be/1dAvueZonBc

Discuss
Use these questions to start meaningful conversations about honesty.

  • Share a story about when honesty played a significant role in resolving a problem or strengthening a family relationship.
  • Discuss why honesty is essential for maintaining trust within the family unit. How do you ensure honesty in your family interactions?

Activity

  • Gather as a family to bake cookies and explore the importance of honesty.
  • As you follow the recipe, discuss how each ingredient’s measurement must be accurate for the cookies to taste good.
  • Reflect on how honesty and truthfulness are like the precise measurements in a recipe—they are essential for building trust and maintaining solid relationships.
  • Enjoy the delicious cookies you created together. Celebrate your commitment to honesty and integrity as a family.

More Kindness 101

CHARACTER COUNTS! Lessons and Activities

 

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