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Trustworthy Friends

Grades: 
6, 7, 8
Subjects: 
Language Arts
Philanthropy
Social Studies
Keywords & Concepts: 
Character Education: Trustworthiness

Learners explore the qualities that make a friend trustworthy and determine whether you can be friends with someone you don't trust.

Duration 
PrintOne 20-minute Class Period
Objectives 

The learner will:

  • identify traits of a trustworthy person.
Materials 
  • copies of the handout below Farmer's Assistant
Related Resources 

Instructions

Print

  1. Anticipatory Set:

    Point to an object in the room, and ask, "Is this trustworthy?" Then ask why or why not. Write some key descriptive words on the board or chart that arise. Repeat with several other objects around the room.

    Examples: A cupboard can be trustworthy if it is sturdy and unbreakable (sturdy, unbreakable). A shoe can be trustworthy if it supports your feet all day (supportive). A computer can be trustworthy if you can depend on it to work for you (dependable).

  2. Ask, "Is a friend someone who is trustworthy?" Looking at the list of adjectives they brainstormed above, pick out the words that can describe a friend who is trustworthy (sturdy, supportive, dependable).

  3. Brainstorm what friends depend on friends to do or say (or not say). Star the ones that seem most important.

    Examples: show up when you say you will, keep secrets, try to solve conflicts in a fair way, do what you say you are going to do, listen, be honest, be kind, be there

    Discuss, "Can a true friendship exist without trust?" 

  4. Save the brainstormed list, especially for the acrostic poem coming up.

  5. Read the story together in the handout below Farmer's Assistant. Discuss questions to identify the evidence and reasons that the farmer could trust his assistant.

Philanthropy Framework

  1. Strand PHIL.I Definitions of Philanthropy
    1. Standard DP 01. Define Philanthropy
      1. Benchmark MS.4 Give examples of how individuals have helped others.
    2. Standard DP 05. Role of Foundations
      1. Benchmark MS.3 Describe how individuals and organizations can use a foundation for giving.
  2. 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.
  3. Strand PHIL.III Philanthropy and the Individual
    1. Standard PI 01. Reasons for Individual Philanthropy
      1. Benchmark MS.2 Explain and give examples of enlightened self-interest, egoism, and altruism as they relate to philanthropy.
      2. Benchmark MS.4 Identify and describe the actions of how citizens act for the common good.