Improve life outcomes

Jumpstart: Integrity - Universal

Jumpstart Universal SEL

CASEL Competency Focus: Responsible Decision Making
Time: Two 20 minute sessions
Materials: Chart Paper (or paper of choice), Art Supplies (Crayons, Markers, Colored Pencils, Paint, etc.)
Objectives:

1. Define honesty and integrity.
2. Identify the right thing to do, even when you know no one is watching, in a social setting.
3. In a social situation, take responsibility for your own actions.

Common Core Standards addressed (Speaking and Listening):
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL:

  • Pose and respond to specific questions by making comments that contribute to the discussion and elaborate on the remarks of others.
  • Continue a conversation through multiple exchanges.
  • Speak audibly and express thoughts, feelings, and ideas clearly.

Lesson Procedures

Introduction: Begin the lesson with an overview of the objectives. Ask students to define honesty in their own words. Explain the term integrity. What are the similarities between honesty and integrity? Provide examples of scenarios that involve the opportunity to practice integrity. Examples include; finding money, a sign in front of a bowl of candy has a sign that says, “Please only take one.” Discuss whether it is easier or more difficult to do the right thing when nobody's watching? Why or why not? Have students make connections to their own life.


Game Time

Primary and Secondary Game: Test out your student’s acting skills through Integrity Charades. Students will either create (secondary) or choose (primary) a scenario demonstrating an act of integrity. For those in secondary grades, have students call out an action of integrity option for the situation. For example; the student acts out finding money on the ground. Those guessing would call out, “They can turn in the money.” The class can be paired up, divided into small teams or played individually. After explaining the game, share that there is one more piece to the activity. Instruct students to observe the behavior of their classmates who are guessing the word or phrase. Does their behavior reflect traits/characteristics of a person with integrity? Instead of having students share what they observed, have them reflect silently on what they saw while observing. A few example scenarios include; finding money on the ground, receiving more change from a purchase, assisting an individual in need to cross the street.


Application

Art is an excellent medium to review and reinforce skills addressed in the classroom. Colors of Integrity allows students of all ages and ability levels to express what they have learned. Have students work in small groups or individually to create a piece of art illustrating what integrity means to them. The artwork can be created on chart paper (or any sized paper) using a variety of writing, drawing or painting materials. When finished, hang the student masterpieces around the room. Have students visit the “gallery” and study each piece. Facilitate a discussion about the different artworks. What did they take away from each piece or art? Encourage students to create abstract pieces, create collages, or simply draw a picture. Provide an opportunity to discuss the artwork and hear the inspirations for the pieces.


Try it out!

Primary and Secondary: Random acts of kindness go hand in hand with integrity. It is important to do the right thing, even when no one is watching. Kindness helps make the world a better place! Encourage students to perform a random act of kindness in the community.