“Knowing what’s right doesn’t mean much unless you do what’s right.”
— Franklin Roosevelt
It is a new month and we have a new character trait — Integrity.
Having the inner strength to be truthful and trustworthy, acting justly and honorably, and being consistent in words and actions.
Catch Phrase: “Tell the truth. Keep your word.”
When I (Sharon) picked up my fifth-grader from school the other day, he was excited to tell me all about the fun they had in science building structures out of toothpicks and marshmallows. The students were learning about earthquakes and the importance of structural integrity. After their structure was complete they placed it atop a tray of Jello and gave it a good shake. (I love our SLOCA teachers for going the extra, sometimes messy and sticky, mile to give our kids this impactful hands-on learning. Thank you!) How well the structure was constructed determined whether it would stand or fall.
What a great visual for our character trait integrity!
You can do a similar visual learning opportunity at home. Have your kid(s) build a bridge or tower out of any building materials you may have on hand. (Legos, wooden blocks, lincoln logs, playing cards, crackers, cardboard boxes, etc.) Ask your students if they would feel safe to walk across their bridge or to be in their structure during an earthquake (or maybe even just on a windy day). Do they trust their structure to do what it is built to do? Ask them why or why not? You can then use this example as a segway into a discussion about the importance of integrity. When someone always tells the truth you can count on them to be honest and you know that they are reliable. However, what if someone is often dishonest or is inconsistent in their treatment of others, do you trust that person? Can you rely on them? Do you want to be their friend?
“Whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be trusted with important matters.”
― Albert Einstein
Our SLOCA definition of integrity reminds us that this character trait requires “inner strength”. Being truthful and consistent in our convictions can be challenging. C.S. Lewis defined integrity as “doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.” SLOCA second-grader Bridget Trapp says that integrity is “doing the right thing even when it’s easier to be sneaky.” Bridget makes a great point! It is often our default to seek out what is “easy” and to avoid that which requires effort or takes us out of our comfort zone. Let us collectively endeavor to be a community of integrity; to tell the truth and keep our word even when it is hard.
“I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence.”
― Frederick Douglass
Integrity
Don’t forget about the Character in our Community board in the Lo-fi Lounge. If you see a student or staff displaying a SLOCA character trait, be sure to share it on the board!
