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Doing What's Right

Grades: 
6, 7, 8
Subjects: 
Language Arts
Philanthropy
Social Studies
Keywords & Concepts: 
Character Education: Integrity
Choices/Consequences

Learners look at different scenarios and explore the pros and cons of acting with integrity when no one is watching. 

Duration 
PrintOne 20-minute lesson
Objectives 

The learner will:

explore their options in gray areas in which they could act without anyone knowing.

Materials 
  • copies of the handout Integrity Scenarios
Related Resources 

Instructions

Print

  1. Anticipatory Set:

    Read and discuss this scenario:

    Marcus knows that smoking is bad for his health and he doesn't want to smoke. On Saturday night, George lights up a cigarette and offers one to all of his friends. If Marcus acts with integrity, what will he do?

    • If he chooses to smoke even though he doesn't want to, what pros and cons will he experience? 
    • If he chooses to say no thank you, what pros and cons will he experience? 

    What happens inside when you do something against your own values?

  2. In small groups, discuss the scenarios in the handout below. What are the choices that practice integrity, and what strengths are needed to act with integrity?

  3. Discuss this quote: "Integrity is doing the right thing when nobody's looking. There are too many people who think that the only thing that's right is to get by and the only thing that's wrong is to get caught."--J.C. Watts

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. Strand PHIL.II Philanthropy and Civil Society
    1. Standard PCS 07. Skills of Civic Engagement
      1. Benchmark MS.1 Identify and research public or social issues in the community, nation or the world related to the common good. Form an opinion, and develop and present a persuasive argument using communication tools.