MENU

A Straightforward Approach

Grades: 
6, 7, 8
Subjects: 
Language Arts
Philanthropy
Social Studies
Keywords & Concepts: 
Character Education: Honesty
Social/Cultural Issues
Values

In this lesson, learners brainstorm honesty and its value and benefits to the community, family, friends, and self.

Duration 
PrintOne 20-minute lesson
Objectives 

The learner will:

  • reflect on the value of honesty to self, family, friends, and the community.
Materials 
  • four pieces of chart paper (with a prepared question on each--see Instructional Procedures)
  • four different colored markers
Related Resources 

Instructions

Print

  1. Anticipatory Set:

    Discuss, "Why is it important to you that people are honest?" 

  2. Tell them that today they are going to explore the following related question: “How is our community and world improved and strengthened when people are honest and straightforward?" They are going to share their thoughts about this question in smaller groups. Read the group discussion method below.

  3. Prepare four chart papers, each with a different topic printed at the top:

    • How does honesty help the community or promote civic virtue?
    • How does honesty affect my family?
    • How can friends show honesty, and how does it strengthen friendship?
    • What does it mean to be honest with yourself?

    Assign the learners randomly to each of the chart questions and place the four charts in work areas around the room. Give each group a different color marker. Each group writes bullet points on their chart to describe the benefits of honesty and give examples.

  4. After about three minutes, have the groups rotate to a different chart. The group reads the comments of the previous group and adds ideas in their own marker color. After three minutes, rotate the groups. Repeat until each group is back to their original chart. Give them two minutes to read the comments in their groups. Then, hang up the charts in the room for all to read.

  5. The charts will stay up for several days, allowing learners to read the groups' comments. Tell them to observe themselves and others over the next few days and look for examples of honesty promoting the common good, and add those examples to the charts.

Philanthropy Framework

  1. Strand PHIL.II Philanthropy and Civil Society
    1. Standard PCS 01. Self, citizenship, and society
      1. Benchmark MS.4 Describe the characteristics of someone who helps others.
    2. Standard PCS 02. Diverse Cultures
      1. Benchmark MS.2 Describe the importance of hearing all voices in a community and respecting their right to be heard.
      2. Benchmark MS.3 Give an example of how philanthropy can transcend cultures.
  2. Strand PHIL.III Philanthropy and the Individual
    1. Standard PI 01. Reasons for Individual Philanthropy
      1. Benchmark MS.3 Identify and give examples of stewardship in cultural traditions around the world.
      2. Benchmark MS.4 Identify and describe the actions of how citizens act for the common good.
      3. Benchmark MS.5 Describe the responsibility students have to act in the civil society sector to improve the common good.