Teaching Kids About Integrity
“Integrity, integrity. Tell the truth, that’s the key. Integrity, integrity. Be the best you can be!” – Regina Burch
I have loved singing this song with my kindergarten students as I introduced the character trait of integrity to them. The word integrity is such a “big” word for the little ones, so keeping it at being honest and telling the truth is just enough for them.
As I’m sure many of you do, I usually tell students that integrity is doing what’s right even when no one is watching. People who show integrity stick to what they value and believe. They strive to make the best choices even when it’s not easy, and they understand that when they show integrity, they will earn the respect of others for their good character.
On this third stop in my Character Education Series, let’s talk about why it’s important to teach this trait.
Why Integrity is an Important Trait to Teach
All of the traits we teach students are essential for success and personal growth of our students. Teaching them about integrity is an essential piece of the puzzle. When we teach kids about integrity, we are truly preparing them for situations and challenges they may face as they grow up. Integrity teaches them to begin considering what is right and it helps them to begin to develop moral values.
Kids need to learn how important it is to tell the truth even when they are afraid they may get in trouble. I’ve always told my students that the adults in their lives will respect them more even if the truth disappoints them. They need to also understand the importance of keeping their promises to others and doing what they say they will do. These actions build trust with the people in their lives and help them to create lasting relationships with others.
As I mentioned earlier, I typically tell students that integrity is doing what’s right, even when no one is watching. We discuss practical examples of this such as not getting a cookie when a parent says they have to wait until after dinner even though they could get one without anyone ever knowing. This also comes into play in school when they are taking a test and have an opportunity to cheat. When kids learn about integrity, they begin to develop a stronger sense of being accountable for what they do.
When children act with integrity, they feel proud of themselves. Many of my students love to share examples of when they showed integrity. Receiving validation and praise for making the right choices builds their confidence and hopefully encourages them to continue showing integrity going forward.
When we instill integrity in our younger students, we are helping to create middle schoolers and high schoolers who can be trusted, who are respectful and fair to others, and who are more responsible for their choices and actions. By no means am I saying they will be perfect kids, but they will be kids who will put more thought into what they say and do each day, and I believe that’s a step in the right direction!
You can teach your students about integrity by modeling it in your own behavior, by using real-life examples to help them see it in action, and by providing them with positive reinforcement when they demonstrate the character trait.
I almost ALWAYS mention The Boy Who Cried Wolf during my integrity lessons to help drive home the possible consequences of not telling the truth, and I LOVE to find books to read that will teach them valuable lessons on their developmental level. Let’s talk about three book choices next.
Books About Integrity
Ruthie and the (Not So) Teeny Tiny Lie by Laura Rankin is one of my favorite go-to books for integrity. I especially love using this book with Kindergarten students. Ruthie’s experience with keeping something that didn’t belong to her gives a very relatable perspective for young students. Check out this read-aloud video of Ruthie and the (Not So) Teeny Tiny Lie.
The “I” in Integrity by Julia Cook is a great pick for your integrity lessons. I love how Julia uses little Cora June to illustrate examples of someone who isn’t showing integrity and how she learns that it’s not something she can physcially ‘find.’ Her mother tells her, “Integrity isn’t something you hold. It’s who you are inside.” Check out this read-aloud video of The “I” in Integrity.
A Little Spot of Honesty by Diane Alber is another great book that provides lots of good messages for kids that are centered around integrity. The characters in the book provide conversation examples to go along with each of the points given about telling the truth and it teaches about how being honest builds trust. Check out this read-aloud video of A Little Spot of Honesty.
As you prepare to teach your students about integrity, consider adding The Integrity Files to supplement your lesson. The resource comes with a lower and upper elementary version. It also includes pamphlet versions for those looking for a print-and-go option.
Teaching kids about integrity is an ongoing process. Kids will naturally make mistakes as they are learning and making choices. Integrity should be taught to all grade levels in order to provide consistency, and they need to have that positive reinforcement to encourage them to stay on the right track.
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