OCTOBER
Trustworthy: Establishing credibility by keeping your word.
Classroom Application:
* Review definition.
* Discuss how trustworthiness was recently demonstrated by classmates.
* Read books that are good examples of being trustworthy (ie: The Gold Coin, Alma Flor Ada; The Rough Faced Girl, Rafe Martin; The Pizza Puzzle, Susan Beth Pfeffer)
* Have the students write an essay describing what our community would be like if nobody were trustworthy OR write about someone you trust and the reasons why you trust him/her.
* Discuss what it means to be trustworthy. For example, don't lie, cheat or steal. Keep your promises and follow through on commitments. Don't betray a friend's trust. Don't spread gossip or be deceptive.
Workplace Application:
* Place "Community of Character" posters in employee break rooms, near time clocks, HR department and other employee gathering areas or customer areas.
* Emphasize character trait of the month by placing definitions on payroll checks, hold contests within your place of employment to encourage the trait of the month, discuss the program and/or trait at your staff meetings or add articles to company newsletters.
* Lead by example.
Home Application
* Use the calendar provided for discussion with your family:
* Talk with your child about what it means to be a trustworthy person and why it's important. For example, don't lie, cheat or steal. Keep your promises and follow through on commitments. Don't betray a friend's trust. Don't spread gossip or be deceptive.
* Watch a television show together and discuss the characters and their behavior towards each other.
* Consider purchasing, or renting from the library, the book 10-Minute Life Lessons for Kids: 52 Fun and Simple Games and Activities to Teach Your Child Trust, Honesty, Love and Other Important Values, by Jamie C. Miller
For more information about our "Community of Character" program, please contact 765.472.2400 or write to Community of Character, 35 S. Broadway, Peru, IN, 46970.